Dr. Martin Luther King Jr would have been 94 years old this past week. His birthday was January 15, 1929 but sadly he did not see his 40th birthday as he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39. Martin Luther King Jr was one of the key civil rights leaders, fighting for the rights of African Americans in the United States through non-violence and civil disobedience.
A perfect way to honor MLK this year, and for Black History Month which is annually each February, is through the United States Mint. The Mint has an entire selection of medals honoring key features in African American history here in the United States. Specifically for Dr. King, perhaps the most poinant medal the Mint has available is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Bronze Medal.
This 3-inch bronze medal is the same as the Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously to Dr. King and Coretta Scott King in recognition of their many contributions to the Nation on behalf of the civil rights movement. It is price at $160. It was authorized in 2004 and remains available directly from the US Mint.
The reverse features an image of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which remains the official legacy of Dr. King’s dream of nonviolent social change and full civil rights for all Americans. Below the image of the center is a quote reflective of Dr. King’s beliefs of nonviolent social change. The lower half of the medal is encircled with a wreath of laurel.
United States Mint
You can also pick up the smaller, 1.5-inch version of this medal for just $20.