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Steve Jobs will appear on the California coin in the US Mint's 2026 American Innovation $1 series — a fresh tribute that pairs his likeness with the phrase "Make Something Wonderful." The announcement highlights Jobs' influence on Silicon Valley and how his story came to symbolize modern American innovation.
Why Steve Jobs represents California's innovation myth
Apple's rise from a garage start-up to a global tech giant is part origin story, part folklore. Steve Jobs — the adopted son of a Syrian immigrant who launched a company in a garage, was forced out, and later returned to reshape consumer technology — embodies the kind of ambitious reinvention the American Innovation series celebrates. The Mint's choice reinforces how Jobs' legacy continues to shape design, entrepreneurship, and Silicon Valley culture.
Design that speaks: oak hills, a portrait, and an inspirational line
The California coin portrays Jobs against oak-covered hills, a nod to the state's landscape and the region where Apple grew. Designer Elana Hagler created the concept, while sculptor Phebe Hemphill executed the relief. Around the rim, the coin will be inscribed with "Steve Jobs" and the evocative motto "Make Something Wonderful" — a short phrase that captures Jobs' emphasis on craftsmanship and user experience.
What the American Innovation series is about
Authorized by Public Law 115-197 and launched in 2018, the American Innovation series honors inventors, pioneers, and milestones in American ingenuity. The program will mint a coin for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories, highlighting local stories of technological progress and entrepreneurship.
How to buy the Steve Jobs coin
The US Mint will sell the coin directly through its website once the release date is announced. Collectors should watch the Mint's product pages and press releases for the exact launch and ordering windows.
- Individual coin roll (25 coins): approximately $36.25.
- A set that includes the newly revealed designs (California plus others announced) is estimated at around $30.
Note that prices, release dates, and availability are set by the US Mint and may change at launch. For collectors, limited quantities or specialty finishes could carry higher premiums.
What this means culturally and for collectors
Beyond face value, commemorative coins serve as cultural markers. Featuring Jobs links a mainstream national program to Silicon Valley's story of technological creativity and disruption. For collectors, the coin will be both a piece of Americana and a symbol of how design and entrepreneurship became central to 21st-century life.
Whether you collect for historical significance or investment potential, the Steve Jobs coin joins a broader roster that maps America's technological milestones — one $1 at a time.
Source: appleinsider
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