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Inventory:
24 In Stock
- Product ID: 13900
The 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This momentous event was a pivotal chapter in the civil rights movement, marked by the brave actions of nine African American students, later known as the Little Rock Nine, who faced severe opposition in their efforts to integrate the previously all-white school. On September 25, 1957, after a National Guard standoff and federal intervention, these students were able to enter the school, symbolizing a significant victory for civil rights and equality in the United States. The 2007 set was created by the U.S. Mint in collaboration with the state of Arkansas to honor this historic event and the courage of the Little Rock Nine. This commemorative coin and medal set serves as both a tribute to the civil rights movement and a reminder of the continued fight for equality in America.
The design of the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set is symbolic and deeply rooted in the history of the Little Rock Nine and the broader struggle for civil rights. The coin in the set is a half dollar, struck in 90% silver, and features a powerful depiction of the Little Rock Central High School, with the school’s columns and architecture prominently featured on the obverse. This image evokes the tension and courage that accompanied the desegregation of the school. Surrounding the school’s image are the inscriptions “LITTLE ROCK,” “CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL,” and the dates “1957-2007,” marking the 50th anniversary of the event. The reverse side of the coin portrays the nine students, the Little Rock Nine, in a symbolic fashion as they walk toward the school, representing their bravery in the face of racial hostility. The students are depicted with a sense of determination, underscoring the importance of their actions in the fight for equality. The reverse also includes the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “HALF DOLLAR.” The design of the coin, by artist Joel Iskowitz and engraver Don Everhart, powerfully captures the historical significance of the event and the courage of those involved.
Alongside the coin, the set includes a bronze medal that further honors the Little Rock Nine and their role in American civil rights history. The medal features a striking image of the nine students, individually depicted with their names inscribed around their portraits. This design honors the individual and collective courage of the students who defied the odds to break down racial barriers in education. On the reverse of the medal, there is an inscription reading “1957 LITTLE ROCK NINE,” along with the words “CIVIL RIGHTS” and “AMERICAN HISTORY.” The medal is crafted in bronze and features a high-relief design that captures the emotions and significance of the event. This medal serves as a complement to the coin, providing collectors with a tangible representation of the bravery of the Little Rock Nine and their historical role in the fight for civil rights in America.
The U.S. Mint was responsible for the production of the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set, ensuring that the coin and medal met the Mint’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The Mint employed advanced technology and traditional coin-making techniques to create both items in the set. The half dollar coin, struck in 90% silver, was produced using the same high-quality methods as other U.S. commemorative coins, ensuring its durability and aesthetic appeal. The minting process involved precision engraving and careful attention to detail, capturing the intricacies of the design while maintaining the historical integrity of the set. The Mint’s dedication to producing high-quality commemorative items ensured that the set would be a valuable and meaningful collectible for years to come. Both the coin and the medal underwent rigorous quality control to ensure that they met the standards expected from U.S. Mint products, providing collectors with pieces that were not only historically significant but also beautifully crafted.
The mintage of the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set was limited, contributing to its rarity and desirability among collectors. The U.S. Mint produced only a limited number of sets to ensure their exclusivity. The limited mintage of commemorative sets is a typical feature of U.S. Mint products, as it helps maintain the value and collectability of the items. This set, which was produced in recognition of a significant moment in American civil rights history, is particularly valuable because of the historical context surrounding the Little Rock Nine and the fight for school desegregation. The small mintage ensures that the set will remain a rare and valuable item for future collectors, and the historical importance of the set only increases its desirability in the numismatic market. As with many limited-edition commemorative sets, the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set is likely to appreciate in value over time, particularly as the story of the Little Rock Nine continues to resonate in discussions of American civil rights and equality.
The condition of the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set plays a key role in determining its value in the marketplace. Like all U.S. Mint products, the quality of the coin and medal is crucial to their desirability and value. Proof coins, like the half dollar in this set, are struck with specially polished dies to create a high-quality finish with sharp, crisp details. The proof coin’s mirror-like surface is a hallmark of its design and makes it particularly appealing to collectors who value coins with fine details and excellent visual appeal. The condition of the medal is also important; a well-preserved medal, free from scratches, tarnishing, or other signs of wear, is more desirable. The overall condition of the set, including the coin and the medal, will affect its value, with well-maintained examples commanding higher prices among collectors. Coins and medals that are stored properly in protective cases or their original packaging are more likely to retain their condition, ensuring their value for years to come.
The 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set is not only a valuable item for collectors but also a meaningful tribute to the civil rights movement and the individuals who played a pivotal role in the fight for racial equality. The Little Rock Nine’s courageous stand against segregation and their eventual success in breaking down barriers in education is an important part of American history, and the set serves as a reminder of the struggles and victories in the pursuit of equality. For collectors interested in U.S. history or the civil rights movement, this set represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. The set captures the spirit of bravery, resilience, and determination that defined the Little Rock Nine’s actions and the larger civil rights movement, making it a meaningful addition to any collection focused on American historical events.
For investors, the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set offers both intrinsic value through its silver content and potential for appreciation as a rare, limited-edition collectible. Silver has long been a popular investment choice, especially for those looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals. The 90% silver coin in this set provides a solid foundation for investors, as silver’s value tends to increase over time. In addition, the limited mintage of the set and its historical significance make it an attractive option for those interested in rare and meaningful collectibles. As the set becomes more difficult to find in the marketplace, its value is likely to appreciate, especially as collectors continue to recognize the importance of the Little Rock Nine’s contributions to American society. The set’s combination of silver content and historical importance makes it a valuable asset for both numismatic collectors and investors in precious metals.
In conclusion, the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set is a significant and valuable tribute to the Little Rock Nine and their role in American civil rights history. The set’s limited mintage, high-quality design, and symbolic importance make it a desirable item for collectors and investors alike. Whether purchased for its historical significance, its silver content, or its beautiful craftsmanship, the 2007 set remains a cherished piece of American numismatic history. The set’s ability to connect with the legacy of the Little Rock Nine and the broader civil rights movement ensures that it will continue to be an important collectible for years to come. As both a tribute to the courage of the Little Rock Nine and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, the 2007 Little Rock Coin and Medal Set is a fitting and lasting commemoration of this pivotal moment in U.S. history.