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Civil Rights Quarter Series Introduced
civil rights movementBy David L. Ganz, Numismatic News
August 28, 2008
civil rights movement

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A new civil rights leaders quarter series that would run for eight years and honor five subjects a year also includes a provision authorizing pieces 5 ounces in weight, 3 inches in diameter and identical in design (and denomination) to the circulating quarter version.

Proposed July 31 just before the congressional recess, H.R. 6701 has powerful backers including the chair of the House Financial Services committee, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.

The idea for large silver pieces was utilized in H.R. 6184, "America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008," which passed the House July 10 and since has been referred to the Senate Banking Committee.

The fact that leadership is behind it suggests that not only do they favor the civil rights leaders commemoratives, but that they also like the idea of medallion size "monster" coins containing a full five ounces of silver.

They would in essence become legal tender replacements for the medallions commonly made by entrepreneurs and sold widely in numismatics.

Though not precisely defined, but given to example, H.R. 6701 calls for quarter "designs on the reverse selected in accordance with this subsection which are emblematic of prominent civil rights leaders and important events that have advanced civil rights in America."

The subjects will be chosen by the secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Ten examples are provided: "Coins may depict individuals and events such as - (I) Martin Luther King Jr.; (II) Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad; (III) The Little Rock Nine; (IV) Rosa Parks; (V) Cesar Chavez; (VI) Antonia Pantoja; (VII) Dionisio (Dennis) Chavez; (VIII) Patsy Mink; (IX) Philip Vera Cruz; and (X) Thurgood Marshall.

Expect this to be high on the congressional agenda when Congress comes back after the political conventions.





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Comments
On August 29, 2008 Charles Olsen said
I do NOT like the idea of them and would not buy them. Bury the proposal. We have enought special coins.
On August 29, 2008 Harold Ferrell said
With Obama running for President I have had enough about the "old days"
I am very sorry about the past history of the U.S. when it comes to civil rights, but lets find something positive to make out coin sets around, not a dark time in our history !!!
On August 29, 2008 Wyatt Mann said
A horrible idea.  Just awful.  Obnoxious and offensive to the majority population.
On August 29, 2008 andy said
a very offensive idea to me and most people i know...thats just sick
On August 29, 2008 calvin said
Isn't coin collecting & it's history
about all of American history?
There are coins to refer to the civil war...why not coins to refer to civil rights which is a part of American history?
I guess numismatics is still entrenched
in the old institutional racism as mainstream America.
On August 29, 2008 Jerome said
I think it's a great idea. It is pretty sad that in 2008 people are still narrow minded. It's a part of history. Like it or not. But to say it's "Obnoxious and offensive to the majority population"? Who does Wyatt think he is? The leader of China? You know they tell their people what to think and do. Maybe you should move there.
On August 30, 2008 kenny said
ok,we have alot of coins out now.i doubt that many will flock to this idea;special coins are nice and some very good.but in my opinion i think the mint should slow down on new arrivals awhile.then maybe new ideas will sell better.forget the race issue,collecters come from all walks so take it easy folks this is AMERICA,BE PROUD OF NO MATTER WHAT!!!! ALL FREEDOMS SHOULD BE EXSPESSED GOOD OR BAD!!! GOD BLESS
On August 30, 2008 jose said
Why more new quarters and not the half dollar that is static since 1976. If they really want to help the numanistic hobby, diversified the products and make it more fun for the collectors.
On August 30, 2008 Vince said
It's all about seigniorage, my friends.  
It's all about "creating a demand," as one congressman put it in reference to the Presidential Dollar Series.  
At the end of 2008, with much relief, I turn my back to the now endless parade of "commemorative" quarters and dollars.  States, Territories, Presidents, National Parks, Planets, Civil Rights . . . What the heck, let's do State Flags, First Governors, Olympic Medalists, Gay Rights Activists, Medicine, Engineering, Science, Actors, Singers, Musicians, Bands, Orchestras, Famous Transvestites, Comedians, Sit-Coms, Cars, Aircraft, Famous fill-in-the blank hyphenated-Americans, Famous Rodeo Clowns, Old-West Outlaws, Indian Chiefs . . . on and on and on !
Whatever the cause, notoriety, celebrity or significance, as long as there is a reasonable chance of seigniorage, you can count on congress to act on this vital issue.
On September 1, 2008 Cecil Starcher said
It is time that our Congress got out of the coin minting business. What next the fifty great NFL quarterbacks? Then the lnebackers will be offended and we'll have to put them on quarters as well. Now the halfbacks will rise and demand their time in the sun. NASCAR will be displeased with all the attention given to the NFL and protests will begin until King Richard, The Intimidator......and on and on and on and on................
On September 1, 2008 GLENN said
Its always a bad idea when something is proposed to honor people of color.  White America should accept the fact that we did nothing but helped America become the great nation that it is.  Wether we wanted to or not.  I don't hear much flack when coins a presented to represent the old racist south!!  But I guess that is the majority of people "you people" make reference too!
On September 2, 2008 aamaswood said
I am not an American.I am an Indian.The comments of some of the valuable members of this community makes my head hang in shame !We are sitting in the 21st century !The world has metamorphosed into a global village and everybody is a global citizen.How come some are still having illusions of superiority based on the colour of the skin ? ! The debate should have been as to whether USA is having an overdose of commemorative coins or not.
On September 2, 2008 harry said
NO-NO-NO ON THESE THINGS. COINS OR MEDALS OR WHATEVER

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