US Mint Issues Harriet Tubman Coins Honoring American Hero’s Life & Work
Image via US Mint
The US Mint has released a series of commemorative coins celebrating the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth, honoring a pivotal figure in American history.
The first rollout by the US Mint to pay tribute to Tubman, these commemorative coins come as a reminder of her indomitable spirit, especially as efforts to feature her on the US$20 bill have not yet come to fruition.
The collection includes $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins, each symbolizing different phases of Tubman’s extraordinary life.
Image via US Mint
The silver dollar coins highlight Tubman’s courageous work on the Underground Railroad, the half-dollar clad coins focus on her invaluable contributions during the Civil War, and the $5 gold coins represent her post-war life and continued activism.
Images via US Mint
Images via US Mint
Available for preorder through the US Mint, this edition not only commemorates Tubman’s bicentenary but also supports significant causes associated with her legacy. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, New York, furthering the education and preservation of Tubman’s enduring impact.
Images via US Mint
Born into slavery as Araminta “Minty” Ross around 1822 in Maryland, Tubman secured her own freedom in 1849. She then risked her life repeatedly to guide approximately 70 enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her strategic brilliance and unwavering courage earned her the nickname “Moses” among those she helped free. Despite the dangers and severe penalties, Tubman never lost a single person on her journeys.
In addition to her work on the Underground Railroad, Tubman played a vital role in the Union Army during the Civil War as a nurse, scout, and spy. She made history by leading the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in freeing over 700 enslaved individuals, marking her as the first woman to lead an armed military operation in the war.
After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued her fight for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and healthcare access. Her relentless pursuit of freedom and equality cemented her status as a true American hero.
The release of these coins is a fitting tribute to Harriet Tubman’s life and work, symbolizing her enduring legacy and the ongoing journey toward justice and equality in America.
[via The Messenger and CNN, images via US Mint]
