Gregory W. Meeks
01/05/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks on the U.S. Mint Releasing Commemorative Coins Honoring Harriet Tubman
QUEENS, NY - Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) applauds the United States Mint for starting the preorder of the commemorative coins honoring abolitionist and human rights activist Harriet Tubman.
Rep. Meeks served as the lead sponsor of the 2024 Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act.
"I am thrilled by the U.S. Mint's announcement that the presale of the three commemorative coins have begun with shipping starting in February," said Rep. Meeks. "Tubman's legacy epitomizes courage and the unwavering commitment to justice. Recognizing her impact is not just acknowledging our nation's past, but also embracing the lessons she taught about freedom, equality, and the tenacity of the human spirit. This program is just one opportunity to commemorate Tubman's sacrifices and contributions to our country."
The Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law by President Biden in 2022. The program directs the Mint to produce $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half dollar clad coins.
"Every coin produced by the United States Mint helps to tell a story that teaches us about America's history or connects us to a special memory," said Ventris C. Gibson, Director of the U.S. Mint. "We hope this program will honor the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman and inspire others to learn more about this amazing woman."
The commemorative coins bearing Tubman's image are emblematic of her legacy and are all legal tender. Surcharges received by the Treasury would be paid equally to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, New York to help fulfill their missions of telling the stories of abolitionists and inspiring the public by sharing Harriet Tubman's core values and promoting her legacy.###