St. Louis, Missouri, July 24, 2012 —

Next year, March of Dimes will begin celebrating its 75th anniversary. As a part of this historic event, efforts are under way in Congress to mint a commemorative coin to recognize the landmark accomplishments made by March of Dimes in maternal and child health. Sales of this special coin will raise up to $10 million to fund research and programs to improve the health and wellbeing of women, infants, children and families.

In order to pass the legislation into law, two-thirds of the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives (290) and two-thirds of the Members of the U.S. Senate (67) must agree to cosponsor this important bill.

In Missouri, the following legislators have pledged their support:

• Senator Roy Blunt
• Senator Claire McCaskill
• Representative Russ Carnahan
• Representative William Lacy Clay
• Representative Emanuel Cleaver
• Representative Samuel Graves
• Representative Billy Long
• Representative Jo Ann Emerson
• Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer

When passed, the U.S. Mint will strike up to 500,000 $1 silver commemorative coins.  A surcharge of $10 added to the coin’s cost will go to March of Dimes.  If all coins are sold, $5 million would be directed toward improving the health of women, infants, and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality through scientific research, community service, and education.  March of Dimes will match these funds through private contributions, generating a total of $10 million.  The coin will be issued in 2014.

About Commemorative Coins

• Congress annually authorizes commemorative coins to honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Although the coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation.
• Commemorative coins also help raise money for important causes by including a small surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community.
• Commemorative coin legislation is revenue-neutral. Coins are produced at no net cost to the Mint; all costs of production are recovered before any funding is received by the entity being recognized.

The bill was introduced to Congress on October 13, 2011 and referred to the House Financial Services committee.  A companion bill (S. 1935) was introduced in the Senate on December 1 and referred to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee.