Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coins to Fund Foundation; Sales Start January 2027

If you’re a collector, a baseball fan, or just someone who appreciates a good cause, grab your wallet—but not until 2027. The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce special coins honoring the Hall of Famer and humanitarian. This isn't just about collecting; it’s a direct fundraising mechanism, with surcharges from every coin sold going straight to the Roberto Clemente Foundation to support its educational programs, youth sports, and disaster relief efforts.

The Specs: What’s Being Minted?

This bill is highly detailed, specifying three types of coins for a one-year sale window starting January 1, 2027. They are authorizing up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (made of 90% pure gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins. The designs, which must celebrate both Clemente’s legendary baseball career and his human rights activism, will feature his likeness and the year “2027.” The Secretary of the Treasury has to consult with the Clemente Foundation and his family before finalizing the look.

The Real Cost: Paying the Surcharge for Charity

Here’s where you, the buyer, come in. When you purchase one of these coins, you’re not just paying the face value and the cost of production; you’re paying a mandatory surcharge that acts as a donation. This is the whole point of the bill. The surcharges are set at $35 for the gold coin, $10 for the silver coin, and $5 for the half-dollar coin (Sec. 7). This money is earmarked for the Roberto Clemente Foundation. The Treasury Department is required to collect enough revenue to cover all of its production and design costs before a single dollar of the surcharge money is released to the Foundation (Sec. 8). This ensures taxpayers aren't funding the operation, and every dollar sent to the Foundation is pure profit for their charitable work.

Impact: A Legacy That Keeps Giving

For everyday people, this bill offers a tangible way to support a major charitable organization while owning a piece of history. Clemente was known for his tireless humanitarian work—he tragically died while flying aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This legislation ensures that legacy continues. For instance, the funds generated by these sales could directly support a youth sports league in Puerto Rico or contribute to disaster relief efforts, connecting the coin purchase to real-world impact. The only catch for buyers is that because the sale period is strictly limited to 2027 (Sec. 5), if you want one at the original price, you’ll need to mark your calendar. If you miss the window, you'll be at the mercy of the secondary collector market, where prices will likely be much higher.