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Voters Back Ellington for Quarter Honoring D.C.

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NO QUARTERS WERE TAKEN or given during this vote, but the result means that many will likely be emblazoned with the image of Duke Ellington.

A total of 6,089 residents voted in a contest that thrust three historical figures — jazz great Ellington, Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass — into a rumble for a coveted spot on the back of a U.S. quarter honoring the District. According to The Post's Mary Beth Sheridan, Ellington received 36 percent of the vote, versus 33 percent for abolitionist Douglass and 31 percent for scientist Banneker. None of the candidates has asked for a recount.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty announced the selection in a letter to the U.S. Mint released last night, Sheridan reports. The Ellington coin still needs to be approved by U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson; the District's quarter is scheduled to be released in January.

» "Ellington Comes Out Ahead in Coin Tossup" [WaPo]

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COMMENTS (2)

  • It HAD to be the Duke.

    Someone tell Jerry Valburn.

    By Richard Handal , Posted June 20, 2008 8:33 PM

  • Having been a lover of Ellington's music since I was 10 yrs old (1940)it is heart warming to see him properly honored as the great Washingtonian he was.I commend those who voted for him and can't wait till the coin is minted. I was a prime mover in getting the Ellington stamp and now the cycle is complete.

    By tony schmidt , Posted June 21, 2008 1:22 PM
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