2014-P $1 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Coins

Beginning at Noon (Eastern) on Thursday, January 2, 2014, the 2014-P Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollars will be available for ordering from the United States Mint.

Both silver coins are struck in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These silver dollars are the U.S. Mint’s opening 2014 numismatic products and begin the first of two commemorative coin programs for the year.

The commemorative coins are offered in an enhanced proof quality and a standard uncirculated quality at reduced prices during their first month of sale. The enhanced proof silver dollar is expected to enjoy much higher interest from coin collectors. The United States Mint notes that it has never before used the combination of multiple finishes that are on the reverse (tails side).

Introductory Prices

These two commemorative silver coins open at introductory prices of:

• $49.95 for the 2014-P Enhanced Proof Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar and
• $44.95 for the 2014-P Uncirculated Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar.

On February 3, 2014, at 3 p.m. ET, the introductory pricing will be lifted. After that point, both silver coins will go up by $5 to their regular prices. Specifically, the proof silver dollar will be $54.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar will be $49.95.

Ordering

When released, 2014-P Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollars may be ordered directly from the United States Mint. Ordering options include the Mint’s website, through this page, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The Mint indicates no household or product limit will be enforced. A mintage cap of 350,000 across both silver coins applies.

As directed by the authorizing act, surcharges of $10 will be collected on the sale of each commemorative silver dollar. These surcharges are to be forwarded to the United Negro College Fund.

Designs & Specifications of Silver Coins

Three people holding hands at a civil rights march is depicted on the obverse (heads side) of each 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar. One of the marchers holds a sign reading, WE SHALL OVERCOME.

United States Mint contract artist Justin Kunz designed the obverse which was executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions include LIBERTY, 2014, and IN GOD WE TRUST.

Reverses offer a design of three intertwined flames. The image is meant to symbolize the freedom of education, freedom to vote and freedom to control one’s own destiny.

It is this design on the enhanced proof silver dollar that bears the multiple finishes.

"The flame is mirror polished; the field under the flame incorporates a combination of light polishing and a light laser frost texture; the lettering and torch have a heavy laser frost texture; and the circular ring with text has an accenting polish," the US Mint’s website states and as described here in an earlier article.

The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Artist Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz. Inscriptions on the reverse include CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964; SIGNED INTO LAW JULY 2, 1964; E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR; and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

These silver coins are struck to the same specifications as all other modern commemorative silver dollars. This includes a composition of 90% silver with a diameter of 1.5 inches. Each is produced at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia, has a ‘P’ mint mark, and has a weight of 26.730 grams.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Tell Your Story Set

Later this year, a Civil Rights Act of 1964 Tell Your Story Set will be released by the US Mint.

It is described as including, "a space for the giver, recipient, a family member or friend to document their personal stories."

The thought is to allow the individuals to document their participation in the events leading up to the passage of the act or how its passage has affected them.

Law Authorizing the Silver Coins

These silver coins were authorized by Congress with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Commemorative Coin Act, Public Law 110-451.

"I am very pleased and delighted," Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), sponsor of the House legislation, said after the bill was signed into law. "America has turned a corner in politics and is charting a new course toward its future. It is so fitting and appropriate that at this moment in history, the US Congress has agreed to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by minting these commemorative coins."

The act passed the House of Representatives on April 01, 2008. On November 19, 2008, the Senate gave its approval. President George W. Bush signed the bill into law on December 2 of that same year.

Next U.S. Commemorative Coins

Later in 2014, the United States Mint will issue the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coins. This second of two commemorative coin programs for 2014 include $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar clad coins issued in recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2014.

Of interest, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coins will be struck with a concave obverse and a convex reverse. These will be the Mint’s first curved coins.