WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced the obverse and reverse designs that will appear on the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar Coin. The coin, authorized by Public Law 110–451, commemorates the semicentennial of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The coin’s obverse (heads side) design features three people holding hands at a civil rights march. One of the marchers is holding a sign that reads WE SHALL OVERCOME. The design is symbolic of all marches that helped galvanize the civil rights movement. Additional inscriptions are LIBERTY, 2014, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The obverse was designed by contract artist Justin Kunz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The coin’s reverse (tails side) design features three flames intertwined to symbolize freedom of education, freedom to vote, and the freedom to control one’s own destiny. Inscriptions are CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964; SIGNED INTO LAW JULY 2, 1964; E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR; and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Jim Licaretz.
Public Law 110–451 requires the bureau to mint and issue up to 350,000 silver $1 coins in proof and uncirculated qualities. Surcharges from coin sales are authorized to be paid to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to carry out the purposes of the UNCF, which include providing scholarships and internships for minority students, and operating funds and technology enhancement services for 39 member historically black colleges and universities. The coins will be available for purchase January 2, 2014.
About UNCF
UNCF is the nation’s largest minority education organization. To serve youth, the community, and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities award 20 percent of African–American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.