# Plain Language Summary: Cesar Chavez Commemorative Coin Act

This bill directs the U.S. Treasury to create special commemorative coins honoring Cesar Chavez, the labor activist who fought to improve conditions for American farmworkers. The Treasury would mint three types of coins in 2024: up to 50,000 gold coins worth $5 each, up to 400,000 silver coins worth $1 each, and up to 750,000 half-dollar coins. These coins would be legal tender but are really designed as collectible items rather than everyday spending money. The coins would feature Chavez's image and name, along with standard inscriptions like "Liberty" and "In God We Trust."

When people buy these coins, they'll pay more than the face value. Buyers would pay an extra $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per half-dollar coin on top of the actual coin value and production costs. This surcharge money—all the extra amounts collected—goes to the Smithsonian Institution to support the National Museum of the American Latino and educational programs about Latino heritage and culture. The Treasury is required to ensure that minting these coins costs the government nothing; all expenses get covered by what people pay for the coins.

The bill essentially creates a fundraising tool for the Smithsonian while honoring Chavez's legacy. If you're interested in commemorative coins or supporting Latino cultural institutions, you could purchase these coins during 2024. However, these aren't investments meant to make money—they're collectible items with sentimental and historical value. The Treasury will only sell them for one year starting January 1, 2024, so availability is limited.

Cesar Chavez Commemorative Coin Act

Gosar, Paul A.

Cesar Chavez Commemorative Coin Act 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 coins to be emblematic of Cesar Chavez and his fight to defend the interests of American farmworkers, his birth in Yuma, Arizona, and his commitment to and work for American agricultural workers. At least one design of these coins shall include the name and likeness of Cesar Chavez. Treasury may issue such coins only during a one-year period beginning on January 1, 2024. All sales of coins issued under this bill shall include a surcharge as prescribed by this bill.