Milestones of Equality: Civil Rights and Breaking Racial Barriers

America’s path to freedom didn’t end with independence—it evolved through generations of struggle and triumph. From landmark legislation to courageous leaders, the fight for equality and democracy has defined our nation’s progress. U.S. commemorative coins capture these pivotal chapters, offering collectors a tangible link to history and ideals that continue to shape America.


Civil Rights Era: A Turning Point

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Commemorative Silver Dollar (2014): Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin—a cornerstone of the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership through nonviolent protests and his historic “I Have a Dream” speech galvanized public support, transforming moral urgency into legal progress. This coin stands as a tribute to one of America’s greatest victories for justice.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Commemorative Dollar 2014 P Proof SilverCivil Rights Act of 1964 Commemorative Dollar 2014 P Proof Silver

2007 Little Rock Central High School Desegregation Silver Dollar: Commemorating the historic 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, this coin honors the bravery of the Little Rock Nine. Their courage in the face of hostility marked a turning point in the struggle for educational equality and civil rights.

2007 Little Rock Central High School Commemorative Silver One Dollar Uncirculated Obverse2007 Little Rock Central High School Commemorative Silver One Dollar Uncirculated Reverse

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Jackie Robinson - 1997 Commemorative Silver Dollar & $5 Gold Coin: This commemorative coin celebrates Jackie Robinson, the first African American to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. His courage and athletic excellence made him a civil rights icon, paving the way for equality in sports and beyond.

Jackie Robinson Commemorative Dollar 1997 S Proof Silver $1 CoinJackie Robinson Commemorative Dollar 1997 S Proof Silver $1 Coin

Foundations of Freedom

1998 Black Revolutionary War Patriots Silver Dollar: This coin honors African American patriots who fought for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Their courage and sacrifice were vital in shaping the nation’s independence and securing liberty for future generations.

1998 Black Patriots Commemorative Medal Proof Obverse1998 Black Patriots Commemorative Medal Proof Reverse

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Washington–Carver Half Dollar: This honors two of the most influential African American educators and advocates for progress in U.S. history. Together, their work demonstrated how education, innovation, and economic independence could open paths forward during an era of segregation and limited opportunity

Washington-Carver Commemorative Half Dollar 1952 Uncirculated SilverWashington-Carver Commemorative Half Dollar 1952 Uncirculated Silver

 

Booker T. Washington Half Dollar: A pioneering educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute, Washington championed empowerment through education and economic advancement. His emphasis on vocational training and self‑reliance shaped educational opportunities for African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 Booker T Washington Commemorative 1948 D MS 67 NGC Silver SKU:I23442Booker T Washington Commemorative 1948 D MS 67 NGC Silver SKU:I23442

 

George Washington Carver: A groundbreaking agricultural scientist and inventor, Carver developed innovative farming methods that improved soil health and transformed Southern agriculture. His work advanced sustainability while helping rural communities achieve greater economic stability.


Voices of Freedom

Frederick Douglass - 2017 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Quarter: A former enslaved man turned abolitionist, writer, and statesman, Frederick Douglass championed equal rights long before the civil rights era. This quarter features his Washington, D.C. home, a lasting symbol of his fight for freedom and equality.

2017 S Frederick Douglass National Site Quarter Silver Proof 25c Coin2017 S Frederick Douglass National Site Quarter Silver Proof 25c Coin

Harriet Tubman - 2024 Harriet Tubman Commemorative Half Dollar:  Fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman risked everything to lead enslaved people to freedom. Her unwavering courage and commitment to liberty made her one of the most revered figures in American history.

 Harriet Tubman Commemorative Half Dollar 2024 S Clad 50c Proof OGP COAHarriet Tubman Commemorative Half Dollar 2024 S Clad 50c Proof OGP COA


Women Icons of Equality

Jovita Idar - 2023 Jovita Idar American Women Quarter: Journalist and activist who championed education and civil rights for Mexican Americans. Through her fearless writing and advocacy, she empowered communities and stood firm against injustice.

2023 S Jovita Idar American Women Quarter Choice Proof .999 Silver

Eleanor Roosevelt - 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt American Women Quarter: Transformative First Lady and human rights advocate who helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her tireless work for social justice redefined public service and global leadership.

2023 S Eleanor Roosevelt American Women Quarter Proof .999 Silver

Pauli Murray - 2024 Pauli Murray American Women Quarter: Civil rights activist, lawyer, and poet whose groundbreaking legal arguments laid the foundation for landmark victories. Murray’s work bridged movements for racial and gender equality, shaping modern civil rights law.

2024 S Pauli Murry American Women Quarter .999 Silver 25c Proof Coin

Ida B. Wells - 2025 Ida B. Wells American Women Quarter: A fearless journalist and civil rights activist, Ida B. Wells exposed the horrors of lynching and fought tirelessly for racial justice and women’s suffrage. Her investigative reporting and advocacy challenged systemic racism and inspired generations to demand equality.
2025 S Ida B. Wells American Women Quarter .999 Silver Proof 25c Coin

Maya Angelou - 2022 Maya Angelou American Women Quarter: Renowned poet, author, and activist, Maya Angelou inspired generations with her words and wisdom. This quarter celebrates her powerful voice and her lifelong contributions to literature, art, and social justice.

2022 S Maya Angelou American Women Quarter .999 Silver 25c Proof Coin


Medals Celebrating Equality & Democracy

U.S. commemoratives and medals honor defining moments in America’s journey toward justice—from landmark court decisions to courageous individuals that reshaped democracy.

Brown v. Board of Education Bronze Medal (2004): This medal commemorates the Supreme Court’s landmark 1954 decision that ended segregation in public schools. It symbolizes a turning point in the fight for equal education and the dismantling of institutionalized racism.

 Brown vs. Board of Education Bronze Medal image number 1.0Brown vs. Board of Education Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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Little Rock Nine Bronze Medal - Desegregation of Schools (2011): Part of the Mint’s civil rights series, this medal honors the courage of nine African American students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Their bravery under intense opposition marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

Little Rock Nine Bronze Medal image number 1.0Little Rock Nine Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March Bronze Medal (2015): Issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, this medal pays tribute to the foot soldiers of the Selma marches. Their determination secured one of the most significant victories for democracy and voter equality in U.S. history.

1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Marches Bronze Medal image number 1.01965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Marches Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King Bronze Medal: This medal honors the leadership and legacy of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King in advancing civil rights through nonviolent activism. Their vision and courage transformed America’s moral landscape and inspired generations worldwide.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Bronze Medal image number 1.0Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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Rosa Parks Bronze Medal: A replica of her Congressional Gold Medal, this piece commemorates Rosa Parks’ pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her quiet act of defiance sparked a movement that changed the course of American history.

Rosa Parks Bronze Medal image number 1.0Rosa Parks Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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John F. Kennedy Bronze Medal: Recognizing President Kennedy’s advocacy for civil rights, this medal reflects his commitment to equality as a moral imperative. His leadership laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed after his death.

John F. Kennedy Bronze Medal image number 1.0John F. Kennedy Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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Dorothy Height Bronze Medal: This medal celebrates Dorothy Height, a towering figure in the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Known as the “Godmother of Civil Rights,” her decades of leadership in the National Council of Negro Women helped advance equality and social justice.
Dorothy Height Bronze Medal image number 1.0Dorothy Height Bronze Medal image number 2.0
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A Legacy Minted in Metal

Civil rights–themed coins honor the trailblazers who stood for equality, opened doors, and moved America closer to its founding ideals. Each piece offers collectors a meaningful connection to the leaders and milestones that reshaped the nation—capturing their courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.

Start Your Journey

Explore coins and commemoratives that celebrate America’s progress toward justice—and the individuals who made it possible.

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