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Published: March 1, 1998 United States Mint
To Sell Commemorative Coins To Honor Black Patriots
Attucks was one of more than 5,000 African Americans who fought during the American Revolution and one of many who gave their lives so that men, women and children in this country - indeed, around the world- are living free. Free to speak out, free to assemble and free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. It Is a 222-year, proud legacy of service by African Americans. Yet, our nation has been slow to recognize them with the honor they deserve. With your help, that will change. As we approach the next millennium, a memorial dedicated to Black Patriots of the Revolution is being planned. The site, on the National Mail in Washington, D.C., is where another African-American patriot, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his "I have a dream" speech in 1963. And it is adjacent to other great national monuments: the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials. Through an act of Congress, the United States Mint is striking only 500,000 silver dollars to honor Black Patriots. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coins is authorized to be used to support the construction of the Black Patriots Memorial on the National Mall. Coins go on sale February 13, 1998, during Black History Month. The price of the coins will start at $30. Specially reduced prices are available until April 4, 1998. Information is available by calling the U.S. Mint at 1-(800)-MINT-USA (646-8872) or by accessing the Mint's web site at www.usmint.gov. A limited edition Young Collectors Coin Set features an uncirculated silver dollar with entertaining and educational information on Crispus Attucks and the Revolutionary War. Also being offered is a Black Patriots Coin-and-Stamp set which features a proof silver dollar and four U.S. postage stamps which spotlight other notable African Americans: Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker and Salem Poor. Noted Philip N. Diehl, director of the U.S. Mint, in announcing what may be one of only two commemorative coins to be produced by the Mint in 1998, "The Black Revolutionary War Patriots Silver Dollar will recall and commemorate history by focusing on Crispus Attucks' sacrifice as a symbol of the commitment of all Black American patriots." A representation of Crispus Attucks will appear on the obverse side of the coin. On the reverse, a Black Patriot family is featured. The reverse side was designed by Ed Dwight, who also is the sculptor of the monument. Dwight, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was one of America's first Black astronaut trainees. He is one of the country's pre-eminent sculptors with works in major museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. Dwight's sculpture of Black patriots in the national memorial will run 90 feet with the bas-relief figures vaguely outlined, as if imprisoned. As the wall grows, they gradually become more distinct, emerging as separate individuals, as if freed from bondage. The last figure, a proud soldier, will be looking directly at the Lincoln Memorial, and the historical path to freedom. Purchase of the coins, which are legal tender, will provide collectors with one of the few American coins honoring African Americans. It also provides an affordable and rare opportunity for every American to contribute to the creation of a national monument. Let us not forget the sacrifice of Crispus Attucks 228 years ago or fail to build a memorial keeping his legacy alive for centuries to come. Wayne Smith is president of the Block Patriots Foundation, (an organization authorized by the United States Congress to build a national memorial in honor of the thousands of African Americans who served, fought and died for independence. |
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On
a cold day in early March 1770, a shot was fired by a British soldier
triggering the start of the American Revolution. It killed the first person
to die for the liberty we take for granted today. As we celebrate Black
History Month in February, it is appropriate to note that the first victim
of liberty was a former African slave. His name was Crispus Attucks. This
year marks the 275th anniversary of his birth.
