This bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue commemorative coins in 2028 honoring the life and legacy of influential African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, with proceeds supporting the Dunbar Alumni Federation.
Eleanor Norton
Representative
DC
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the legacy of the influential African-American poet. Proceeds from the sale of these coins, generated through surcharges, will be distributed to the Dunbar Alumni Federation to support student scholarships and school activities. The program is designed to be cost-neutral to the federal government, ensuring all production expenses are recovered through sales.
Treasury to Mint Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Coins in 2028: Surcharges to Fund Student Scholarships
The U.S. Treasury is hitting the minting press in 2028 to honor Paul Laurence Dunbar, a powerhouse of American literature who published his first poems at 14 and went on to write the lyrics for the first all-Black Broadway musical. This bill authorizes the creation of limited-edition gold, silver, and clad coins, with a hard cap on production: 50,000 five-dollar gold coins, 400,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 half-dollars. These aren't just for show; they are legal tender, though they’re primarily aimed at collectors who want a piece of history that celebrates one of the first influential African-American poets.
Funding the Next Generation
This isn't just about shiny metal; there is a specific financial engine built into the price tag. Every coin sold comes with a mandatory surcharge—$35 for gold, $10 for silver, and $5 for the half-dollar (Section 7). This extra cash is earmarked for the Dunbar Alumni Federation, a group that supports the first public high school for Black students in the U.S. For a student on the debate team or a kid looking to join the ski club or JROTC at Dunbar High, this bill translates into direct funding for their activities and scholarships. It’s a way of using a 19th-century legacy to pay for 21st-century opportunities.
The 'No Taxpayer' Guarantee
If you’re worried about your tax dollars being used to mint collectibles, the bill includes a strict "no net cost" provision (Section 8). The Treasury is prohibited from handing over a single cent of the surcharge money to the Alumni Federation until it has fully recovered every penny spent on designing and minting the coins. Essentially, the collectors and enthusiasts are footing the entire bill for the program. To keep things above board, the Federation is also subject to mandatory financial audits to ensure the money actually makes it to the students and historical displays it’s intended for.
Art and Accountability
The look of the coins won't be left to chance. The Secretary of the Treasury is required to consult with both the Commission of Fine Arts and the Dunbar Family Federation to ensure the designs truly represent Dunbar’s life and work (Section 4). While the bill allows for bulk discounts to keep the coins moving, the primary goal remains a steady stream of revenue for educational support. It’s a straightforward piece of legislation that balances historical tribute with practical, audited support for a specific community, all while keeping the national checkbook balanced.