Congress Passes National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

Congress passed the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 2527, leaving only the President’s signature to make it law.

Major League Baseball

With President Obama expected to sign the bill in a matter of days, the United States Mint in calendar year 2014 will produce up to 50,000 $5 gold, a maximum of 400,000 silver dollars and up to 750,000 clad half-dollar commemorative coins to recognize the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Update: President Obama signed the legislation into law on Friday, August 3, 2012.

These coins will be struck in proof and uncirculated collectible versions to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Baseball HOF.

"The National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act unites every fan of the game in celebrating the timelessness of America’s pastime," said Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 

To the extent possible, commemorative coin designs for the $5 gold and silver dollar will feature a convex shaped reverse to more closely resemble a baseball and a concave obverse to offer a more dramatic display.

A competition will decide the common obverse of the coins, which must be emblematic of the game of baseball. Compensation of at least $5,000 is authorized for the winning design.

Reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, selections of the final designs will be made by the Treasury Secretary after consulting with the National Baseball HOF and the Commission of Fine Arts.

Sales of each commemorative coin will include a surcharge paid to the Secretary of the National Baseball Hall of Fame to help finance its operations. Amounts will include $35 per $5 gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar and $5 for each clad half-dollar.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act has had several Congressional actions through its life. H.R. 2527 was introduced by Rep. Richard Hanna of New York on July 14, 2011. It passed in the House on October 25, 2011. An amended version passed in the Senate on July 12, 2012. Due to the changes — the coins’ production year was changed from 2015 to 2014, the House had to re-approve the legislation, which it did on July 19, 2012. H.R. 2527 was officially presented to the President on July 25, 2012.