The 2007 Little Rock Central High School Desegregation Silver Dollar was struck "in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of the Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas." It was signed into law on December 22, 2005 by US President George W. Bush. (Public Law 109-146)
Included among the Little Rock product options was a
Coin and Medal Set that featured an Uncirculated Silver Dollar and a 1.5" Bronze Medal that is a duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal that was awarded to the individuals who comprised the "Little Rock Nine" - the original nine African-American students who were integrated into Little Rock Central High School. The Gold Medals were awarded "in recognition of the selfless heroism such individuals exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas." (Public Law 105-227)
Note: The "Little Rock Nine" students were/are:
- Melba Patillo Beals
- Elizabeth Eckford
- Ernest Green
- Gloria Ray Karlmark
- Carlotta Walls LaNier
- Terrence Roberts
- Jefferson Thomas
- Jean Brown Trickey, and
- Thelma Mothershed Wair
2007 Little Rock Silver Dollar
The Silver Dollar's obverse, designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer
Richard Masters and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver
Charles Vickers, "depicts the feet of students escorted by a United States soldier and walking toward school below a row of nine stars symbolizing the Little Rock Nine." (US Mint)
The coin's reverse, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver
Don Everhart, presents Little Rock Central High School as it appeared in 1957; today, the school continues in operation. In 1927, upon its completion, the school was named "The Most Beautiful High School in America" by the American Institute of Architects; it was designated a National Historic Site in 1998.
1998 Little Rock Nine Congressional Gold Medal (Bronze Duplicate)
The obverse of the Bronze Medal depicts the "Little Rock Nine" students being escorted up the front steps of Little Rock Central High School by soldiers of the US Army (as directed by President Dwight David Eisenhower).
The medal's reverse presents the names of the "Little Rock Nine" students in the center with the inscription "COURAGE BRAVERY JUSTICE OPPORTUNITY" at the top rim. Below the names is seen "ACT OF CONGRESS / 1998".
The
Coin and Medal Set consists of a four-panel folder that houses the coin and medal that is inserted into an outer, open-ended sleeve; the graphic design of the sleeve mirrors that of the front panel of the coin/medal folder.
The
Set targets an older collector base vs. the
Young Collector Sets I've previously presented, as evidenced by its historical content-rich approach and its more adult-themed presentation style.
The Front Panel of the Sleeve features a black-and-white photograph of the front steps area of Little Rock Central High School on the day of segregation - September 25, 1957. The African-American students can be seen among the White students with a soldier present to "keep the peace."
The Back Panel of the sleeve presents the Certificate of Authenticity for the Silver Dollar and the Bronze Medal. The facsimilie signature of Edmund C. Moy (Director, US Mint) is also seen.
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Outer Sleeve - Front Panel
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Outer Sleeve - Back Panel
The Front Panel of the Folder duplicates the design of the Front Panel of the Sleeve, but adds a cut-out for the Silver Dollar (Obverse side presented).
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Folder - Front Panel
The Inside Cover of the Front Panel presents the first part of the
Set's story about the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. It also presents the Reverse of the Little Rock Silver Dollar.
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Folder - Inside Front Panel
The Inside of the Back Panel continues the Little Rock desegregation narrative and also presents the Obverse of the Bronze Medal.
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Folder - Inside Back Cover 
The Back Panel of the Coin Folder specifically discusses the "Little Rock Nine" and their impact on the American Civil Rights Movement. The Panel also presents the Reverse of the Bronze Medal.
2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set: Folder - Back Panel
For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including other Modern series specialty sets, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 10/26/2024 3:36 pm
