California Engages Public To Design New $1 Coin, May Now Come To Regret It
Left image via Gavin Newsom, right image generated on AI
Nature, beaches, and Hollywood glamor—these are some of the glowing qualities travelers might bring up when they think of the Golden State. And perhaps this was the picture its government had in mind when calling upon the people of California to design a new US$1 coin intended to showcase the state’s innovations.
Tapping into the creative spirit of Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom called upon members of the “Tortured Coin Designers Department,” a play on Taylor Swift’s latest album title, The Tortured Poets Department, to come up with a new coin highlighting California’s achievements. The winning graphic would be a part of a US Mint collection celebrating innovation in all 50 states.
Instead of proposals celebrating technological advances or cultural contributions, however, many responses highlighted more troubling issues facing the state today. Rising living costs, escalating crime rates, challenges in managing homelessness, a US$73 billion budget deficit, and even Harvey Weinstein—and his link to Hollywood—dominated the suggested themes for the new coin. The ready availability of generative artificial intelligence tools only made it easier for people to visualize their arguments quickly.
I think these capture things nicely. pic.twitter.com/o8j4MqaTls
— Jim Stanley (@JimStanleyCA) April 25, 2024
Among the critical voices was Jim Stanley, the press secretary for the State Assembly Republicans. In a striking critique published by the California Globe, Stanley proposed designs that snarkily commented on the state’s financial and social crises. His suggestions included images of homeless encampments and flames.
“Our state coin should be a homeless person,” one person commented under Newsom’s Instagram post.
Despite the criticism, the coin design contest continues. It remains to be seen whether the final design will portray an accomplishment that sits well with everyone. There should be another side to the same coin, after all.
I emailed these to you as well, Governor: https://t.co/avS1REbSpk
— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) April 26, 2024
When people think of California they think of Hollywood. This would be great! (Hope it doesn’t leave a bad taste in your mouth) pic.twitter.com/LNvAxtXI2Z
— 🫃ðŸ¼ðŸ’‰ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¦Hollaria Briden, Esq. (@HollyBriden) April 28, 2024
Yes--let's make a memorable $1 CA State Coin @GavinNewsom Here are two I think are top contenders. First one really has good imagery. CA flag, palm tree, warmth from the fire. Maybe just edge CA flag closer to the fire to catch a spark. https://t.co/3FzUghy35m pic.twitter.com/6JsvdKcMX8
— Walk Safe (@SacWalkSafe) April 26, 2024
[via California Globe, Governor Gavin Newsom, The Western Journal, images via various sources]
