American jazz legend Duke Ellington has become the first African American to appear solo on a U.S. coin in common circulation. The coin is one of a series showing American states. Ellington’s coin represents the District of Columbia where he was born. The Duke, pictured sitting at a piano, appears on the “tails” side. George Washington is on the “heads” side as is usual with U.S. quarters.
Duke Makes History On A Coin
Feb 25th, 2009 by James K Tags: Duke Ellington
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Even though not on circulating coins, there have been several African Americans on other US coins. This includes Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. They appeared on commemorative coins in the 1940’s and 50’s.