Coin Commemorating the Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Would Provide $2.5 Million for Black Colleges and Universities

Congressional Representatives John Lewis of Georgia and Deborah Pryce of Ohio have introduced legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to produce a commemorative $1 coin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The coin would be issued in 2014.

The coin would be legal tender but it is not intended for wide circulation. The coin would be primarily sold by the U.S. Mint to collectors. Proceeds from the sale of the coin to collectors are earmarked under the legislation to benefit the United Negro College Fund, which supports 39 historically black colleges and universities. It is estimated that $2.5 million will be raised for the UNCF from proceeds of the sale of the commemorative coin.