In a bipartisan effort to recognize Mark Twain’s connections to Hannibal, while enhancing the author’s American legacy, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) is sponsoring legislation, along with U.S. Rep. John Larson of Connecticut, creating the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin that will not cost taxpayers a dime, but will provide funding for Mark Twain historical sites.

Under the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act the U.S. Mint will produce for a limited time, $1 silver and $5 gold coins to honor Mark Twain’s contribution to American history. The revenue generated by the sale of the coins will pay for costs associated with producing it, while 20 percent of the proceeds will go toward the historical site of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal. Three other Mark Twain historical sites will also receive proceeds from coin sales.

“Mark Twain and the city of Hannibal are integral parts of our Missouri heritage and the American experience, so these coins not only help us celebrate the great author’s contributions to our country, but also assist in preserving sites like his boyhood home in Hannibal,” Luetkemeyer said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important legislation.”

“We are doubly thrilled that this proposal honors Mark Twain and will benefit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and other Mark Twain sites around the country,” said Dr. Cindy Lovell, interim director of the Mark Twain Home Foundation in Hannibal.