This commemorative coin, licensed by the US Congress, honors the life and legacy of a distinguished abolitionist and humanitarian. Struck in 99.9% silver, it serves as a tangible illustration of her important contributions to American historical past and the battle for freedom.
The creation of this coin supplies a strategy to acknowledge and have a good time the person’s impression on the wrestle towards slavery and the development of civil rights. Proceeds from the sale of the coin have traditionally supported organizations devoted to preserving her legacy and furthering the reason for equality and justice. Its launch additionally serves as an academic software, elevating consciousness about her exceptional life and the values she embodied.
The next sections will delve into the precise design parts, the legislative background that licensed its manufacturing, and the charitable organizations that benefited from its gross sales, offering an entire understanding of this necessary numismatic tribute.
1. Commemorative
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” is essentially a commemorative object. Its creation and launch have been immediately motivated by the need to formally bear in mind and honor the life, achievements, and enduring impression of Harriet Tubman. The designation as “commemorative” dictates its function: to function an enduring reminder of a person or occasion deemed important to the nation’s historical past and cultural identification. This intent shapes the coin’s design, manufacturing, and subsequent distribution, differentiating it from customary circulating foreign money.
The commemorative nature of this silver greenback is important for a number of causes. Firstly, it elevates Harriet Tubman’s standing inside the nationwide consciousness, solidifying her place as a key determine within the battle towards slavery and the pursuit of civil rights. Secondly, the proceeds generated from its sale usually help organizations that protect her legacy and proceed her work. As an illustration, funds could also be directed towards historic websites related to Tubman or academic applications selling her story. Thirdly, it educates the general public, prompting additional investigation into her life and the historic context through which she lived. The visible illustration of Tubman on the coin, coupled with its inscription, serves as a relentless immediate for reflection.
In abstract, the commemorative facet of the “harriet tubman silver greenback” shouldn’t be merely a label however a defining attribute that drives its creation, function, and impression. It ensures that her contributions should not forgotten and that her story continues to encourage future generations. The success of the coin as a commemorative merchandise depends on its skill to successfully convey her significance and encourage continued engagement together with her historic legacy, presenting a bodily reminder of beliefs and occasions that formed U.S. historical past.
2. Abolitionist
The time period “Abolitionist” is intrinsically linked to the “harriet tubman silver greenback.” The coin exists as a direct consequence of Harriet Tubman’s actions and dedication as a number one determine within the abolitionist motion within the nineteenth century. Her relentless efforts to finish slavery type the core cause for her commemoration on this nationwide foreign money.
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Underground Railroad Conductor
Harriet Tubman is most famed for her position as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. This community of secret routes and secure homes facilitated the escape of enslaved African People to freedom within the northern United States and Canada. Her repeated journeys into slave-holding territory to information others to liberty exemplify her direct motion towards the establishment of slavery. The coin serves as a visible reminder of this bravery and dedication.
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Navy Service In the course of the Civil Warfare
Past her work on the Underground Railroad, Tubman served the Union Military through the Civil Warfare. Her contributions included scouting, nursing, and main the Combahee River Raid, a navy operation that liberated over 700 enslaved individuals. This direct involvement within the warfare towards the Confederacy highlights her dedication to the abolitionist trigger on a bigger scale. The coin’s existence acknowledges this complete dedication to emancipation.
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Advocate for Suffrage
Following the Civil Warfare and the authorized abolition of slavery, Tubman devoted herself to advocating for girls’s suffrage. Recognizing the parallels between the battle for racial equality and gender equality, she championed the suitable for girls to vote. This continued advocacy demonstrates her lifelong dedication to justice and freedom, reinforcing the validity of her recognition on the coin.
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Image of Resistance
Harriet Tubmans total life turned an emblem of resistance towards oppression. Her private experiences as an escaped slave, mixed together with her unwavering dedication to liberating others, positioned her as a robust figurehead within the abolitionist motion. The “harriet tubman silver greenback” seeks to seize and perpetuate this symbolic illustration, guaranteeing future generations perceive her very important position within the battle towards slavery.
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” encapsulates the essence of Harriet Tubmans life as an abolitionist. From her daring rescues on the Underground Railroad to her navy service and subsequent advocacy, her actions embody the core rules of the motion. The coin not solely commemorates her but in addition serves as a relentless reminder of the continuing wrestle for equality and the significance of resisting injustice.
3. Civil Rights
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” bears a major connection to the broader context of Civil Rights in the US. This coin serves not solely as a recognition of Harriet Tubman’s contributions but in addition as an emblem of the continuing pursuit of equality and justice for all.
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Legacy of Resistance to Oppression
Harriet Tubman’s life exemplified resistance to systemic oppression. Her actions, primarily by the Underground Railroad, immediately challenged the establishment of slavery. This resistance laid groundwork for the fashionable Civil Rights Motion, inspiring future generations to battle towards discriminatory practices. The coin acknowledges this legacy, reminding us of the historic battle for fundamental human rights.
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Symbolic Illustration of Equality
The issuance of a commemorative coin that includes an African American girl signifies a step towards recognizing the contributions of marginalized communities within the nation’s historical past. This act helps to redress historic imbalances in illustration and promotes a extra inclusive narrative of American identification. The coin turns into a tangible image of the continuing effort to attain equality throughout racial and ethnic traces.
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Instructional Instrument for Understanding Historical past
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” acts as an academic software, prompting people to be taught extra about her life and the period through which she lived. By elevating consciousness concerning the injustices of slavery and the struggles for civil rights, the coin encourages vital engagement with the previous. This historic consciousness is important for understanding modern points associated to race and equality.
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Fundraising for Associated Causes
Proceeds from the sale of the coin usually help organizations devoted to preserving Tubman’s legacy and selling civil rights initiatives. These funds can be utilized for academic applications, historic preservation efforts, or direct help for communities going through discrimination. The coin, subsequently, serves as a monetary instrument contributing to the development of civil rights causes.
In essence, the “harriet tubman silver greenback” connects on to the core rules of the Civil Rights Motion. It honors a key determine within the battle towards oppression, promotes equality by symbolic illustration, serves as an academic useful resource, and helps ongoing efforts to advance civil rights. It’s a reminder of the previous struggles and the continued work required to attain a extra simply and equitable society.
4. United States Mint
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” originates from the US Mint, the only entity licensed by the federal authorities to supply authorized tender coinage. Congressional laws particularly mandates the Mint to design, produce, and distribute commemorative cash, together with the one honoring Harriet Tubman. With out the Mint’s involvement, the creation and circulation of this authorized tender commemorative merchandise can be unimaginable. The Mint’s position is subsequently causal and indispensable.
The number of design, the exact composition of the silver alloy, and the requirements of manufacturing all fall below the Mint’s purview. These are extremely regulated processes meant to make sure the integrity and worth of the coin. As an illustration, the Mint’s artists create designs adhering to strict pointers concerning historic accuracy and symbolic illustration. Additional, the Mint’s established distribution channels, together with direct gross sales to collectors and partnerships with different retailers, be sure that the coin reaches a large viewers. Proceeds from the coin’s gross sales are then distributed as directed by the authorizing laws, usually to associated charities or historic preservation organizations.
In abstract, the US Mint is the important engine behind the “harriet tubman silver greenback.” Its experience in design, manufacturing, and distribution, mixed with legislative authorization, makes the coin a tangible actuality. Understanding the Mint’s position clarifies the authorized and sensible foundations of this commemorative object, emphasizing its significance as a government-sanctioned recognition of Harriet Tubman’s legacy. With out the intervention of the U.S. Mint there isn’t any method for the coin to achieve the general public and serve its function.
5. Fundraising
Fundraising constitutes a vital component tied to the “harriet tubman silver greenback”. Authorizing laws usually stipulates {that a} portion of the proceeds from the sale of those commemorative cash be directed in direction of particular causes and organizations aligned with Harriet Tubman’s legacy and the rules she championed.
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Assist for Historic Preservation
A good portion of the funds generated by the sale of the “harriet tubman silver greenback” could also be earmarked for the preservation of historic websites related together with her life and work. This consists of the upkeep and restoration of areas alongside the Underground Railroad and websites important to her later life. The fundraising facet ensures the tangible preservation of historical past for future generations.
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Instructional Packages and Scholarships
One other key space usually benefiting from the coin’s gross sales is the funding of academic applications and scholarships associated to African American historical past, civil rights, and social justice. These initiatives intention to advertise consciousness and understanding of the problems Harriet Tubman fought for and to help college students pursuing research in these fields. The coin thus facilitates continued studying and engagement together with her legacy.
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Assist for Organizations Selling Equality
A 3rd avenue for fundraising includes directing funds to organizations actively working to advertise equality and fight discrimination. This could embody teams devoted to civil rights advocacy, social justice initiatives, and help for marginalized communities. The coin’s gross sales contribute on to ongoing efforts to deal with systemic inequalities.
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Endowment Funds for Lengthy-Time period Assist
In some circumstances, proceeds could also be used to determine endowment funds. These funds present a sustainable supply of revenue for the designated causes, guaranteeing long-term help and stability. This method ensures that the coin’s impression extends far past the preliminary gross sales interval, creating an enduring legacy of philanthropic help.
In abstract, the “harriet tubman silver greenback” is intrinsically linked to fundraising for causes aligned together with her life’s work. These efforts make sure the preservation of historical past, promote training, help equality, and supply long-term monetary stability for associated organizations. This fundraising element amplifies the coin’s symbolic worth by reworking it right into a sensible instrument for optimistic change.
6. Silver Content material
The presence of silver inside the “harriet tubman silver greenback” extends past mere compositional truth, impacting the coin’s worth, collectibility, and symbolic weight.
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Intrinsic Worth and Market Fluctuation
The inherent worth of the silver used within the coin contributes considerably to its total price. As a valuable metallic, silver costs fluctuate primarily based on international financial circumstances, provide, and demand. Consequently, the coin’s market worth is partially decided by its silver content material. This intrinsic worth supplies a base stage of price, even impartial of its numismatic or historic significance. That is necessary as a result of the coin holds inherent worth that adjustments exterior of its collectible worth.
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Purity and Composition Requirements
The US Mint adheres to particular requirements concerning the purity of silver utilized in commemorative cash. Sometimes, these cash are composed of 90% or 99.9% silver, also known as “proof silver.” The extent of purity impacts the coin’s look, sturdiness, and in the end, its collectibility. The upper the purity, usually the upper the demand from collectors.
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Preservation and Dealing with Issues
Silver is prone to tarnishing or corrosion if not correctly dealt with and saved. Collectors and homeowners of the “harriet tubman silver greenback” should make use of acceptable preservation methods to keep up its unique luster and situation. This may occasionally contain storing the coin in protecting circumstances or utilizing specialised cleansing brokers. Correct upkeep ensures the long-term preservation of the coin’s worth and look.
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Affect on Collectibility and Rarity
The silver content material can affect a coin’s collectibility and rarity. Restricted mintage numbers mixed with a excessive silver purity can improve demand amongst collectors, driving up its market worth. Cash with distinctive minting errors or particular designations associated to their silver content material are notably wanted by numismatists. The upper the silver content material or distinctive marking raises the worth and desirability.
The silver composition of the “harriet tubman silver greenback” subsequently acts as a multifaceted component influencing its market worth, preservation wants, and total attraction to collectors. It underscores the significance of understanding each the numismatic and materials elements of this commemorative coin, guaranteeing the coin is valued appropriately.
7. Numismatic Worth
The “harriet tubman silver greenback” possesses numismatic worth, a multifaceted price derived from its rarity, situation, historic significance, and collector demand. This worth extends past the coin’s intrinsic silver content material and face worth, shaping its market value and long-term funding potential.
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Rarity and Mintage Numbers
The restricted mintage numbers assigned to the “harriet tubman silver greenback” immediately affect its numismatic worth. Cash with decrease mintages are typically extra fascinating to collectors attributable to their relative shortage. The particular mint and 12 months of manufacturing additionally contribute to rarity, with sure mint marks or years being extra wanted than others. Decrease mintages or manufacturing errors drive up worth.
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Situation and Grading
The bodily situation of the coin is a major determinant of its numismatic worth. Skilled grading providers, such because the Numismatic Warranty Company (NGC) or the Skilled Coin Grading Service (PCGS), assess a coin’s situation utilizing a standardized grading scale. Cash in uncirculated or proof situation, with minimal put on and aesthetic flaws, command increased costs. Grading and situation is paramount for a collector.
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Historic Significance and Topic Matter
The historic significance of Harriet Tubman and the subject material depicted on the coin contribute to its numismatic attraction. Cash commemorating important historic figures or occasions usually entice a wider vary of collectors, growing demand and driving up worth. The coin’s affiliation with the abolitionist motion and civil rights enhances its collectibility. Historical past and story telling is vital for the coin.
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Collector Demand and Market Tendencies
Numismatic worth is in the end influenced by collector demand and prevailing market developments. Shifts in collector preferences, financial circumstances, and the general recognition of commemorative cash can impression the worth of the “harriet tubman silver greenback.” Monitoring market developments and public sale outcomes supplies perception into present collector curiosity. Collectible market drives the worth.
The numismatic worth of the “harriet tubman silver greenback” is a posh interaction of things encompassing rarity, situation, historic significance, and market forces. Understanding these parts is important for collectors and traders looking for to evaluate the coin’s price and potential appreciation over time. Subsequently, the coin holds appreciable collectible attraction, with the worth pushed by historic that means and market attraction.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions concerning the harriet tubman silver greenback
The next questions tackle widespread inquiries and misconceptions concerning the commemorative coin, providing concise and authoritative info.
Query 1: What’s the authorized tender standing of the harriet tubman silver greenback?
Whereas technically authorized tender, the “harriet tubman silver greenback” is primarily meant for collectors and commemorative functions. Its face worth is considerably decrease than its market worth and silver content material. Makes an attempt to make use of it for on a regular basis transactions can be impractical.
Query 2: How was the design for the harriet tubman silver greenback chosen?
The design choice course of usually includes a juried competitors amongst artists, overseen by the US Mint. A committee comprised of numismatic consultants and representatives from related organizations opinions the submissions and makes suggestions to the Secretary of the Treasury, who in the end approves the ultimate design.
Query 3: Who benefited from the surcharges collected from the sale of the harriet tubman silver greenback?
The particular organizations benefiting from the surcharges are decided by the authorizing laws. Funds are generally directed towards entities devoted to preserving Harriet Tubman’s legacy, supporting historic analysis, or selling civil rights initiatives.
Query 4: Is the harriet tubman silver greenback funding?
The potential for funding return is determined by varied components, together with market demand, coin situation, and mintage numbers. Whereas some commemorative cash respect in worth over time, there isn’t any assure of revenue. Potential traders ought to conduct thorough analysis and seek the advice of with numismatic consultants.
Query 5: The place can the harriet tubman silver greenback be bought?
Initially, the coin is accessible for buy immediately from the US Mint by their web site or through mail order. Following the Mint’s preliminary gross sales interval, it might be accessible by personal coin sellers, auctions, and on-line marketplaces.
Query 6: How ought to the harriet tubman silver greenback be saved to keep up its situation?
To forestall tarnishing and injury, the coin needs to be saved in a protecting, acid-free holder or show case. Keep away from dealing with the coin immediately with naked palms, as oils and contaminants can speed up corrosion. Retailer the coin in a cool, dry atmosphere away from direct daylight.
These solutions present important insights into the character, function, and potential worth of this important commemorative coin.
The subsequent part will summarize the important thing factors of this dialogue.
Suggestions for Collectors of the harriet tubman silver greenback
Buying and preserving this commemorative coin requires cautious consideration. The next ideas present steering for each novice and skilled numismatists.
Tip 1: Analysis Mintage Figures and Varieties: Earlier than buying, examine mintage numbers for various years and mint marks. Decrease mintages usually correlate with elevated rarity and potential worth. Determine any identified varieties or errors, as these might command a premium amongst collectors.
Tip 2: Prioritize Situation and Grading: Acquire cash graded by respected third-party providers comparable to NGC or PCGS. Greater grades, comparable to Mint State (MS) 69 or 70, point out superior situation and probably increased worth. Rigorously look at ungraded cash for indicators of wear and tear, scratches, or different imperfections.
Tip 3: Perceive the Silver Content material’s Affect: Bear in mind that the coin’s silver content material contributes to its intrinsic worth, which may fluctuate with market costs. Monitor silver costs to make knowledgeable buying selections. Retailer the coin appropriately to forestall tarnishing or corrosion.
Tip 4: Confirm Authenticity: Buy the “harriet tubman silver greenback” from respected sources, such because the U.S. Mint or well-established coin sellers. Be cautious of suspiciously low costs or sellers with restricted suggestions. Study the coin carefully for any indicators of counterfeiting.
Tip 5: Contemplate Lengthy-Time period Preservation: Retailer the coin in an acid-free holder or album designed for numismatic preservation. Deal with the coin with clear, lint-free gloves to keep away from transferring oils or contaminants. Keep a steady storage atmosphere with low humidity and minimal temperature fluctuations.
Tip 6: Keep Knowledgeable About Market Tendencies: Monitor public sale outcomes, numismatic publications, and on-line boards to remain abreast of present market developments and collector demand. Understanding market dynamics can inform each shopping for and promoting selections.
Tip 7: Doc Provenance: Maintain detailed information of the coin’s buy historical past, together with the date, vendor, value, and any related grading info. Sustaining correct provenance documentation can improve the coin’s worth and attraction to future consumers.
Adhering to those pointers can assist make sure the acquisition of a worthwhile and well-preserved “harriet tubman silver greenback,” contributing to a rewarding numismatic expertise.
The following part will present a complete conclusion to this dialogue.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue has explored the multifaceted nature of the “harriet tubman silver greenback.” This commemorative coin serves as a tangible tribute to a pivotal determine in American historical past, embodying the beliefs of abolition, civil rights, and unwavering resistance to oppression. Its creation by the US Mint, coupled with the fundraising initiatives tied to its gross sales, underscores its significance as each a numismatic artifact and a car for supporting associated causes. The silver content material, the components influencing its numismatic worth, and the sensible concerns for collectors additional illuminate its distinctive place inside the realm of commemorative coinage.
As an enduring image of Harriet Tubman’s enduring legacy, this silver greenback prompts continued reflection on the continuing pursuit of equality and justice. Its existence serves as a reminder of the previous struggles and a name to motion for future generations to uphold the values she championed, ceaselessly etched into the annals of historical past and represented on this commemorative type.
