In a tribute to one of the most influential innovators of the 21st century, the United States Mint has announced that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs will be featured on a commemorative $1 coin in 2026. The coin will be part of the American Innovation® $1 Coin Program, a multi-year initiative that celebrates groundbreaking American inventors and ideas.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming release — from design details and pricing to why Jobs was chosen to represent the state of California.
What Is the American Innovation $1 Coin Program?
Launched in 2018, the American Innovation™ $1 Coin Program is a federal initiative by the U.S. Mint to honor significant innovations or innovators from each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
Each year, the Mint releases four new coins, each representing a different state or territory. These coins are primarily collector’s items, not intended for general circulation, and are often sold in sets, rolls, or specialty packaging.
In 2026, California’s contribution to the series will spotlight Steve Jobs, whose legacy as the visionary behind the iPhone, iMac, iPod, and more helped redefine the global tech landscape.
Why Steve Jobs?
The nomination came from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described Jobs as a “visionary who embodied the spirit of California innovation” — bold, boundary-breaking, and obsessively committed to excellence.
Jobs’ work at Apple and Pixar, as well as his influence on design thinking and product innovation, made him a natural choice to represent California in the Mint’s innovation series. According to Newsom’s office, Jobs symbolizes the blend of creativity and technology that defines the state’s global image.
Inside the Coin Design
The design for the Steve Jobs commemorative $1 coin has been officially released by the U.S. Mint. It’s rich in symbolism and instantly recognizable to fans of Apple and Jobs’ legacy.
Reverse (Back) Side
- Depicts a young Steve Jobs, sitting cross-legged on oak-covered hills typical of Northern California.
- He’s wearing his signature black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers, with a contemplative, visionary expression.
- Inscriptions include:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
- “CALIFORNIA”
- “STEVE JOBS”
- “MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL” — a phrase closely associated with Jobs’ design philosophy.
Obverse (Front) Side
- Features a profile of the Statue of Liberty, common to all coins in the Innovation series.
- Also includes:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- The denomination “$1”
- Mint mark and year on the coin’s edge
Special 2026 Privy Mark
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence (Semiquincentennial), all 2026 coins will include a special privy mark featuring:
- A stylized gear
- The Liberty Bell
- The number 250
This unique mark reinforces the coin’s historical significance.
Who Designed the Coin?
- Design: Elana Hagler, a designer with the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist at the U.S. Mint
Both artists are known for their contributions to modern U.S. coinage and bring thoughtful craftsmanship to the Jobs tribute.
How Much Will It Cost? Where Can You Buy It?
The Steve Jobs coin will be available for purchase starting in 2026 via the U.S. Mint’s official website, with the following pricing tiers:
- Single coin (Proof): $13.25 USD
- Four-coin set (California + 3 others): $27.50 USD
- Includes coins honoring:
- Norman Borlaug (Iowa)
- The Cray-1 Supercomputer (Wisconsin)
- Mobile Refrigeration (Minnesota)
- Includes coins honoring:
- Also available: coin rolls (25 coins) and bags (100 coins) for collectors
All coins will be produced in limited quantities and are expected to become sought-after collectibles, especially among fans of Jobs and Apple.
What’s the Response So Far?
Reactions from the tech and collector communities have been largely positive:
- Apple fans are celebrating the tribute as a fitting homage to one of the industry’s greatest minds.
- Coin collectors appreciate the blend of art, history, and innovation.
- Some online discussion centers around the cost — after all, it’s a $1 coin being sold at $13.25 — but this is standard pricing for collector-proof coins issued by the U.S. Mint.
The inscription “MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL” has particularly resonated with Apple enthusiasts, as it echoes Jobs’ lifelong ethos of building products that merge functionality with elegance.
Final Thoughts
From revolutionizing personal computing to redefining the smartphone, Steve Jobs changed the world through relentless innovation. Honoring him on a U.S. commemorative coin doesn’t just celebrate a tech titan — it symbolizes how deeply embedded Jobs’ impact is within American culture and identity.
Whether you’re a coin collector, an Apple fan, or simply someone who appreciates design and innovation, the 2026 Steve Jobs $1 Innovation Coin is more than just a piece of metal — it’s a piece of history.
