After a one-year hiatus from issuing new commemoratives, the United States Mint kicks off the new year with six coins available for order as part of the 2024 Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program.
The bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth is celebrated on each of the new coins, recounting her life story in three distinct phases. The available products include proof and uncirculated $5 gold coins, proof and uncirculated silver dollars, and proof and uncirculated clad half-dollars. Additionally, a three-coin proof set is offered.
Harriet Tubman was born a slave in 1822 but escaped to freedom twenty-seven years later. Despite the incredible danger, she returned to the South multiple times to help guide other slaves to free states. During the American Civil War, Tubman worked as a cook and nurse for the Union Army before becoming a scout and spy. Following the war, she continued to fight against social injustice.
Congress authorized the commemoratives through the passage of Public Law 117-163, known as the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act. Under this act, surcharges are set at $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver dollar, and $5 per half-dollar. The U.S. Mint will collect these surcharges on the sale of each coin. After covering associated costs, the proceeds will be divided between two organizations: the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York.
"The Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program will celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman," said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. "We hope this program will assist both the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in accomplishing and advancing their missions."
No commemorative coin programs were authorized last year. Prior to 2023, new commemoratives had been an annual staple for decades, with the last "gap" year occurring in 1985. The years 1982-1984 marked the beginning of the modern commemorative coin era.
Later this year, the U.S. Mint will also introduce products as part of the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program, paying tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of American soldiers and civilians during World War II.
Coin Designs
Designs for the new commemorative coins depict different phases of Tubman’s life. The silver dollars portray her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, the half dollars highlight her contributions during the Civil War, and the $5 gold coins depict her life after the Civil War and in later years.
The obverse (heads side) of the silver dollar depicts Harriet Tubman extending her hand to the viewer, with an expression that challenges the viewer to embrace the opportunity for freedom.
For the reverse (tails side) of the silver dollars, there is an artistic depiction of a bridge created by clasped hands, with multiple silhouettes shown crossing it. Above, the Big Dipper constellation points to the North Star, which forms the ‘O’ in the word ‘OF’ in the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Additional inscriptions include "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "ONE DOLLAR." The design was created by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Craig A. Campbell.
On the obverse side of the half-dollar, Tubman is depicted as the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War, known as the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the liberation of more than 700 enslaved persons. Behind her, two Civil War-era boats are depicted. The inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "2024," and "HARRIET TUBMAN." The design was created by Don Everhart and sculpted by Renata Gordon."
The reverse side of the half-dollar also features Tubman’s Civil War contributions, depicting her with a spyglass in front of military tents. Inscriptions include "CIVIL WAR," "NURSE," "SCOUT," "SPY," and "COMBAHEE RIVER RAID LEADER." Additional inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "HALF DOLLAR." The reverse design was created by Tom Hipschen with sculptor John P. McGraw.
On the obverse side of the $5 gold coins, a more elderly portrait of Tubman is shown, representing her years following the Civil War. Inscriptions include "HARRIET TUBMAN," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2024." The designer of record is Chris Costello, with Joseph Menna as the sculptor.
Reverses of the $5 gold coins depict two individuals, with one person’s arm firmly clasping the arm of another. This symbolizes the assistance and compassion that Harriet Tubman provided to others throughout her life. Tubman’s seven core values encircle the arms, including "FAITH," "FREEDOM," "FAMILY," "COMMUNITY," SELF-DETERMINATION," "SOCIAL JUSTICE," and "EQUALITY." Additional inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "$5," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Ben Sowards created the design, with Eric David Custer responsible for the sculpture.
Coin Specifications
| $5 Gold | Silver Dollar | 50c | |
| Finish | Proof and Uncirculated | Proof and Uncirculated | Proof and Uncirculated |
| Mintage Maximums | 50,000 | 400,000 | 750,000 |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 6% Silver, Balance Copper |
99.9% Silver | 8.33% Nickel, Balance Copper |
| Weight | 8.359 Grams | 26.73 Grams | 11.34 Grams |
| Diameter | 0.850 Inches | 1.500 Inches | 1.205 Inches |
| Edge | Reeded | Reeded | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark | West Point – W | Philadelphia – P | San Francisco – S (Proof) Denver – D (Uncirculated) |
Coin Prices
Introductory pricing has been set for the Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coins during the first 30 days of their sales. These prices are as follows: $82 for the proof silver dollar, $77 for the uncirculated silver dollar, $49 for the proof half-dollar, and $47 for the uncirculated half-dollar. After thirty days, each of these prices will go up by $5.
Regarding the gold coins, their pricing is determined on a weekly basis using the U.S. Mint’s precious metal coin pricing matrix, minus the $5 savings, with the proof opening at $718 and the uncirculated at $708. They also come with an initial household order limit of one, whereas there is no such limit for the silver dollars or half-dollars.
Three-Coin Proof Set
In addition to the individual coins, the U.S. Mint is offering a special three-coin set containing the proof editions of the $5 gold, silver dollar and half-dollar. Opening at $836.25, the product limit for the set is just 5,000 with an initial household order limit of one.
250 Certificates Signed by U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson
As a side note, Director Gibson has personally signed 250 Certificates of Authenticity for the three-coin proof set. These COAs will be placed randomly into unmarked sets and will be included when shipping commences.
Ordering
Starting at noon EST, all Harriet Tubman coins may be ordered directly from the United States Mint from their online store of commemoratives.
Orders are expected to begin shipping on Feb. 12.
