PRESS RELEASE: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inducted Into Peace Prize Coin Program
PRESS RELEASE
Date of Release: November 03, 2015.
Media Contacts: International and U.S.A.: Melanie Nathan melanien@sagoldcoin.com
DR Martin Luther King Jr. Inducted Into Peace Prize Coin Program
It is with great pleasure that the South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) announces the induction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into the Nobel Peace Prize Coin and Medallion Program, under the auspices of The Nobel Institute and The Mint of Norway.
The Nobel Laureate Peace Prize Coin and Medallion Program, which started in 1994, celebrates the legacy of Nobel Peace Laureates, with gold and silver coins and medallions of low mintages.
In 1964, at 35 years of age, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held the distinction of becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Dr. King, widely renowned as one of the greatest civil rights leaders in world history, steered a nonviolent movement in the late1950’s and ‘60s, which led to legal equality for African-Americans in the United States.
In 1963, 250,000 demonstrators marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., where Dr. King delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech; one of the most revered and politically effective orations of all time. The following year, President Johnson passed a law prohibiting all racial discrimination in the United States.
The induction this month of Dr. King marks the first coin introduced into this distinguished numismatic program, which has produced collectible medallions for inductees such as former South African Presidents Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, as well Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Albert Lutuli, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Elie Wiesel, to name a few. To mark this honor, a low mintage release of 52 -1oz gold coins, celebrating the 52nd Anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have Dream” speech will be released to the public during November, 2015.
Each coin weighs 1 oz, of 999 gold, minted in proof finish. The obverse of the coins feature the image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with the wording: "Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1964" and the reverse features the Barbados coat of arms with a face value of $2.00. ( The price of the limited edition coin will be made available upon inquiry.)
The South African Gold Coin Exchange has the worldwide rights to market the coins as granted by the Nobel Institute and produced by the Mint of Norway.
“The inclusion of Dr. King in this incredible program serves as an honor and a reminder of his selfless sacrifice aimed to bring peaceful change to our world. His receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize helped bring international attention to the plight of African Americans in the U.S. During these violent times we face throughout the world, any reminder of the work of this man of peace is very timely”, said the King Estate.
At a pre-launch visit to the King Center in Atlanta this month, Alan Demby, Chairman of the SAGCE noted: “ As the worldwide exclusive marketers of the Nobel Institute Peace Prize Coin Program it is our great pleasure to induct Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into this unique numismatic program. We are humbled to promote Dr. King’s legacy in precious metal; holding such a coin in your hand is like holding history in your hand. As stewards of this program, which include some of the greatest peacemakers of the 21st Century, we are honored at this chance to participate in the promotion of the ideals of Dr. King in the USA and around the world, today.”
This induction serves also as the introduction to a series of collectible Peace Prize coins of other American Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, which will be launched in the United States in the near future. Pictures and commentary about the induction can be seen HERE
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Inquiries about the coins and medallions: South African Gold Coin Exchange HERE
To reserve your purchase of one of the 52 limited edition Dr. King coins please contact melanien@sagoldcoin.com
