The purpose of this legislation is to honor the legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a significant figure in American literature and one of the first influential African-American poets. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of Dunbar's contributions to poetry and culture. Key provisions of the legislation include the minting of three types of coins: $5 gold coins, silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. The bill specifies the quantity, weight, and composition of each coin type.