Basketball legend joins CCAC
Retired basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been appointed to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. He represents the general public on the government body and replaces former Coin World editor Steve…
Retired basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been appointed to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
He represents the general public on the government body and replaces former Coin World editor Steve Roach.
A Mint press release calls Abdul-Jabbar an avid coin collector whose interest flows from his love of history and study of Alexander Hamilton, who was the first Treasury secretary of the United States under the Constitution.
Abdul-Jabbar serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, the Mint said. The foundation’s mission is to “Give Kids a Shot That Can’t be Blocked” by bringing educational opportunities to under-served communities through innovative outdoor environmental learning.
A Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to Abdul-Jabbar Nov. 22, 2016, in recognition of his outspoken advocacy of social justice, the Mint said.
Abdul-Jabbar is also a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and Time Magazine, and a best-selling author of literary fiction and non-fiction books, the Mint said.
The CCAC makes recommendations to the Treasury secretary on matters of coin design and coinage themes.
This article was originally printed in Numismatic News. >> Subscribe today.
More Collecting Resources
• If you enjoy reading about what inspires coin designs, you'll want to check out Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths about U.S. Coins.
• The Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is the only annual guide that provides complete coverage of U.S. currency with today’s market prices.
