Bill Overview
Title: Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. The Secretary may issue coins under this bill only during the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid equally to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing their missions.
Sponsors: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in Harriet Tubman's legacy and coin collectors
Estimated Size: 3200000
- The issuance of commemorative coins typically impacts coin collectors, history enthusiasts, and the general public interested in the related historical figure.
- The bill aims to honor Harriet Tubman, whose legacy as an abolitionist appeals broadly to those appreciative of civil rights history.
- The surcharges benefit specific non-profit institutions that have a mission related to Harriet Tubman's legacy.
Reasoning
- The policy is expected to affect primarily coin collectors and people interested in Harriet Tubman's legacy, which includes history enthusiasts and some museum visitors.
- Given the limited minting of coins, the reach of the policy is also limited. However, the significance of the figure represented could heighten interest beyond just collectors.
- Funds from the coin sales benefit two institutions tied to Harriet Tubman's legacy, potentially increasing their capacity for educational and preservation work.
- The projected budget for year 1 is quite high, making it crucial to assess whether the emotional or cultural impact justifies such an expenditure.
- A policy like this likely creates a medium to low impact on specific individuals, but it is symbolic in terms of cultural importance, contributing to increased awareness and education.
Simulated Interviews
Coin Collector (New York, NY)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the Harriet Tubman coins. They will be a valued addition to my collection.
- Beyond collecting, it's nice to see Harriet's legacy honored in this way.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Museum Curator (Cincinnati, OH)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The additional funding will help us expand our educational programs.
- Our visitors often ask about more immersive experiences, which we might be able to provide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Historian (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a meaningful gesture to remember Tubman, but real change requires more than symbolic acts.
- I hope funds raised will genuinely benefit the targeted institutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A step in the right direction for honoring significant historical figures.
- I might look for the silver dollar, since it's not only collectible but also affordable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Banker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's intriguing but not impactful on my life.
- Unless it's a rare mint, I might skip purchasing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Advocate (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative highlights key figures in history nicely, but should be accompanied by educational efforts.
- I'm curious to see how much impact this will have on the institutions involved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Marketing Specialist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might get one as a keepsake, not deeply involved otherwise.
- These coins can serve as a conversation starter about history, perhaps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I really appreciate these efforts to commemorate Harriet Tubman.
- The proceeds could encourage more visitors and interest in these museums.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Rutgersville, VA)
Age: 66 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A positive small gesture, but real changes in how history is perceived require larger educational reforms.
- I might buy for grandchildren to teach them history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find it inspiring to see heroes like Harriet Tubman celebrated.
- I'm thinking of collecting these coins as nods to what I learn in class.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30200000 (Low: $29700000, High: $30700000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The commemorative coins are a means to celebrate Harriet Tubman's legacy and raise funds for related causes.
- The production costs are expected to be covered by the revenue from coin sales, including surcharges.
- Distribution and shipment costs are additional factors influencing the total expenses and income generated.