Commems Collection Modern: What If? 1990 Duke Ellington Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony $1 coin (struck 1979-81, 1999) replaced the larger and heavier Eisenhower dollar coin (1971-1978). The circulation Copper-Nickel ("CuNi") Clad Eisenhower $1 coin is 1.5" (38.1 mm) in diameter and weighs 22.68 grams - the Susan B. Anthony $1 coin is 1.043" (26.5 mm) in diameter with a weight of 8.10 grams.

Note: The change required the United States ("US") Congress to authorize changes to Section 5112(a)(1) of title 31, United States Code.

In April 1990, in response to the unsuccessful implementation of the Susan B. Anthony $1, Edward R. Roybal (D-CA-25) introduced a bill to amend Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code such that the circulating $1 coin would return to the size and weight specifications of the prior circulating Eisenhower $1 and feature "the likeness of Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington" on its obverse.

Duke Ellington - Circa 1957

(Image Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.))

Ellington (b. April 29, 1899; d. May 24, 1974), was an American composer (over 2,000 songs), pianist and leader of an influential big-band orchestra.

As originally written, the bill did not include specifications for a collector version of the Ellington $1 coin that featured silver. It's possible, however, that such language could have been added during the bill's consideration.

Roybal's bill was referred to the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, but did not progress further.

Ellington's likeness appears on the 2009 Washington, DC quarter included in the District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Program.

2009 Washington, DC Quarter w/ Duke Ellington

(Image Credit: US Mint media image.)

Note: ICYWW, Ellington was born in Washington, DC.

It should be mentioned, that at the same time Congress had the Ellington bill under consideration, multiple bills that called for a "gold-colored" $1 coin were also under consideration - with 20/20 hindsight, we know which direction Congress ultimately went.


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other What If? stories, see: Commems Collection