In late July, the United States Mint, along with representatives from the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, unveiled their designs for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Program. Expected next year, Public Law 117-163 was authorized and recognizes three designs to be featured in honor of the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth: $5 gold coin, $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin.
$5 Gold Coin (Proof and Uncirculated)
Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Joseph Menna, the obverse of the $5 gold coin features a portrait of Harriet Tubman from her years following the American Civil War. She is looking into the distance and towards the future with confidence. “HARRIET TUBMAN,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2024” are the inscriptions featured.
The reverse depicts two arms of different individuals clasping together, symbolizing the aid and care that Harriet offered to others throughout her life. Featured all throughout are the following inscriptions: “FAITH,” “FREEDOM,” “FAMILY,” “COMMUNITY,” “SELF-DETERMINATION,” “SOCIAL JUSTICE,” “EQUALITY,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$5,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Ben Sowards designed the reverse and Eric David Custer sculpted it.
$1 Silver Coin (Proof and Uncirculated)
Harriet Tubman is offering her hand to the viewer on the obverse of the $1 Silver Coin designed by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. This design showcases the challenge Harriet presents the viewer, wanting them to seize the opportunity for freedom. Inscriptions read “HARRIET TUBMAN,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2024."
Designed by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Craig A. Campbell, the reverse shows silhouettes crossing a bridge created by a pair of clasped arms/hands. The Big Dipper is seen above in the sky as it points to the North Star, forming the “O” in the words “OF.” Additional inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
Half Dollar Clad Coin (Proof and Uncirculated)
The obverse features Harriet Tubman in the center. She was the first woman to lead an armed expedition (Combahee River Raid) in the Civil War, which resulted in the freedom of more than 700 enslaved persons in South Carolina. In the background behind her, there are two Civil War-era boats representing the raid. Inscriptions read “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2024” and “HARRIET TUBMAN.” Don Everhart is the designer and Renata Gordon is the sculptor.
Harriet Tubman is holding a spyglass in front of a row of Civil War-era tents on the reverse designed by Tom Hipschen. This is meant to represent her work as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. Sculpted by John P. McGraw, it also features inscriptions describing her contributions, including “CIVIL WAR,” “NURSE,” “SCOUT,” “SPY,” and “COMBAHEE RIVER RAID LEADER.” Additional inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
Source: United States Mint