Via The BBC:

Musician Duke Ellington has become the first black American to feature prominently on a US coin.

The jazz composer and performer will be pictured seated at the piano on the 25 cent piece.The coin is one of a series showing America’s states. Ellington’s coin represents the District of Columbia where was born. African Americans have featured on commemorative coins but Ellington’s quarter will be in everyday use.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2009 at 12:04 pm and is filed under Business, Politics, Random. Tags: Coin, Duke Ellington, Jazz