News : Jimi Hendrix to Be Featured on Washington's Innovation Coin

Guitar icon Jimi Hendrix has been selected by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to represent the state in the U.S. Mint's American Innovation $1 Coin Program.

Introduced in 2019, the U.S. Mint initiative recognises groundbreaking ideas and influential innovators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Four commemorative $1 coins are released each year, with the programme running through 2032. Washington's coin is expected to be released in 2029.

Hendrix was chosen by Governor Ferguson following recommendations from an Innovation Coin Advisory Committee established by Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. After considering public nominations and consulting history experts, the committee narrowed the selection down to five candidates before submitting them to the Governor.

"Washington is one of the most innovative states in the nation," said Governor Ferguson. "Choosing just one example from such an innovative state was no easy task, but Jimi Hendrix's groundbreaking contributions to guitar music and his strong connections to Washington make him an ideal representative of our state's innovative spirit."

Born in Seattle in 1942, Hendrix transformed the sound of the electric guitar through his pioneering use of feedback, his combination of blues and psychedelia, and his influence on the development of rock, metal and funk. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and was recognised as the greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2023.

Janie L. Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., welcomed the announcement, saying: "Having Jimi recognised on a United States $1 coin as a symbol of Washington's innovative spirit is an incredible honour. Jimi often referred to himself as a West Coast Seattle Boy, a magic boy, and he brought that magic to people around the world through his music and imagination. His artistic vision transformed music and continues to motivate generations of people."

The selection will now move into the design stage, followed by consultations with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The final design will then require approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.