Honoring Harriet Tubman: U.S. Mint Releases Commemorative Coins Marking Bicentennial of Her Birth

The U.S. Mint has unveiled the 2024 Harriet Tubman Silver Dollar, a centerpiece in the Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program. This distinguished collection includes $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins, all commemorating the bicentennial of the famed abolitionist and human rights activist, Harriet Tubman. Released on Thursday, the coins depict three pivotal periods in Tubman's life, capturing her legacy as an abolitionist and social activist.

U.S. Mint Director Ventris Gibson emphasized the significance of these coins, stating, "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." Gibson personally signed 250 Certificates of Authenticity for the 2024 Harriet Tubman Three-Coin Proof Set, a special edition where certificates will be randomly inserted into unmarked sets.

The design of the silver dollar portrays Tubman's role as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, reflecting a critical chapter in her life. The half-dollar design showcases Tubman holding a spyglass in front of Civil War-era tents, symbolizing her contribution as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. The $5 gold coin design represents Tubman's post-Civil War life, depicting her "gazing confidently into the distance and towards the future.

This commemorative coin release aligns with ongoing efforts to celebrate Tubman's legacy. Some lawmakers have sought to replace President Andrew Jackson with Tubman on the $20 bill. The "Woman on the Twenty Act of 2023" bill, introduced by Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, aims to feature Tubman on all U.S. $20 bills printed after December 31, 2026. While the Biden administration expressed commitment to redesigning the $20 bill to showcase Tubman, there have been no recent updates on the progress of this endeavor.

As these coins enter circulation, they stand not only as tokens of remembrance for Harriet Tubman but also as instruments inspiring a deeper understanding of her extraordinary contributions to American history.

In a historic move in April 2016, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced the groundbreaking decision to feature Harriet Tubman's portrait on the redesigned $20 note, scheduled for unveiling in 2020. This initiative aimed to relegate the image of Andrew Jackson, a known slaveholder, to the reverse side of the bill. However, progress on this transformative project remained slow during the Trump administration.

Born as Araminta Ross around 1822 into the shackles of slavery in Maryland, Tubman's life took a remarkable turn. Marrying John Tubman, a free Black man, in 1844, she underwent a significant transformation, changing her name from Araminta to Harriet. The pivotal moment came in 1849 when Tubman escaped slavery, embarking on a courageous journey that would see her help numerous others find freedom.

While the vision of Tubman gracing the $20 bill has faced delays and challenges, the commemorative coins released by the U.S. Mint now stand as a tangible tribute to this iconic figure, celebrating her legacy and contributions to the fight against slavery and injustice.

In conclusion, the journey to immortalize Harriet Tubman on the redesigned $20 bill, initially set in motion by Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in 2016, faced obstacles and delays during the Trump administration. Despite the challenges, Tubman's legacy has found a poignant tribute in the form of commemorative coins released by the U.S. Mint, marking the bicentennial of her birth. Born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, Tubman's extraordinary life, from her escape in 1849 to her relentless efforts in guiding others to freedom, is now symbolically honored on these coins.

While the progress on the $20 bill redesign remains uncertain, the newly released coins serve as a tangible embodiment of Tubman's resilience, courage, and commitment to justice. As these coins enter circulation, they not only celebrate a pivotal figure in American history but also invite reflection on the ongoing journey toward recognizing and commemorating the contributions of those who have shaped our nation's narrative.