Civil Rights Quarters Introduced

A new series of quarter-dollar coins honoring civil rights leaders has been proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives. On July 31, right before the congressional recess, Rep. Melvin Watt introduced H.R. 6701 entitled the "Civil Rights Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008." It seeks to issue commemorative quarters that are "emblematic of prominent civil rights leaders and important events that have advanced civil rights in America."

With the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program concluding this year and the upcoming D.C. and U.S. Territories quarters ending in 2009, the new civil rights quarters could circulate as early as 2010.

Similar to the highly popular state quarter series that began in 1999, the legislation proposes five different reverse designs each year. The series would run eight years and commemorate 40 civil rights leaders or events.

Ten designs are already recommended within the bill and include: Martin Luther King, Jr.; Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad; The Little Rock Nine; Rosa Parks; Cesar Chavez; Antonia Pantoja; Dionisio (Dennis) Chavez; Patsy Mink; Philip Vera Cruz; and Thurgood Marshall.

Provisioned as well are uniquely sized collector versions. In almost medallic like fashion, these bullion coins would have a massive diameter of 3 inches, weigh 5 ounces, and have a composition of silver.

"Super-sized" coins appear to be a new fad in congress. There is another Senate coin bill that was recently proposed calling for new collector coins weighing up to 8 ounces in silver with the same 3 inch diameter.

Before H.R. 6701 becomes law, it must pass the House, Senate and be signed by the President. In that sense, it may have competition. While the bill has strong support with House leadership and 99 co-sponsors, another bill calling for at least 11 years of quarters to commemorate national parks and sites has already passed the House and is before the Senate.

Learn about other coin legislation recently introduced or get the latest coin news for collectors.