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The U.S. Mint Gears Up for America’s Semiquincentennial Anniversary
By GOVMINT:
As we approach 2026, a significant milestone looms on the horizon for the United States - the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. The 250th, or semiquincentennial anniversary, provides an opportunity for Americans to commemorate our shared past, celebrate our present achievements, and look forward to our collective future with hope and anticipation. Accordingly, the United States Mint will celebrate this milestone with various coin initiatives! Learn more below!
The Semiquincentennial Coin Program
The United States Mint is preparing to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary with the Semiquincentennial Coin Program. This exciting initiative, authorized by Public Law 116-330, promises to bring fresh designs to our circulating coins in 2026 to commemorate this significant milestone in American history.
Will America Celebrate 250 Years?
This semiquincentennial celebration represents a quarter of a millennium since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, marking the birth of the United States. It's a momentous occasion that invites reflection on our rich history, the struggles and triumphs that have shaped us, and the values that continue to define us as a nation.
The planned redesign of our circulating coinage in 2026 will serve as a tangible reminder of our shared heritage. Adding to the excitement, the Mint even invited the public to participate in a survey about potential design themes, allowing Americans to have a say in how they want to commemorate this momentous occasion. The survey was open from November 3rd to December 3rd, 2023 and asked participants for input about potential themes for the coin designs. Those proposed themes were drafted in collaboration with the United States Mint, the Smithsonian, the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Park Service, and the Library of Congress.
A Lens on the Semiquincentennial Coin Survey
The Mint's survey, which has now closed, sought input on potential redesigns for the country's circulating coinage. Although detailed results have yet to be released, it's clear from the Mint's initiative that the designs aim to honor America's rich history and diversity. Some of the proposed themes that appeared in the survey included "the Declaration of Independence," "the United States Constitution," "women's suffrage," "the abolition of slavery," and "depictions of liberty," among many others. In the survey, the public was also offered the chance to contribute their own ideas for design themes.
The final selection process and the announcement of the new designs remain highly anticipated events in the numismatic world. With the survey now concluded, the United States Mint will work to finalize the themes of the design. Mint artists submit potential designs for review to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), who each have given their recommendations. The final decision regarding the designs has yet to be made, and will ultimately be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
As we wait with bated breath for the unveiling of the 2026 circulating coin redesigns, it's important to remember that creating a coin involves meticulous planning and precision. Every step is carefully orchestrated, from the initial design sketches to the actual striking of the coins. We can expect the new designs to enter circulation around the start of the anniversary year, 2026.
What Are the New U.S. Coins for 2026?
The United States Mint plans to release new coins in 2026 as part of their Semiquincentennial Coin Program to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. The program will see new designs on many circulating coins just for 2026, including the Lincoln cent, Jefferson Nickel, and Roosevelt Dime, with special provisions for quarter, half-dollar, and dollar-denominated coinage. Up to five quarter designs may be issued, one of which must be "emblematic of a woman's or women's contribution to the birth of the Nation or the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American History."
The Best of the Mint Collection
In 2026, the United States Mint is also preparing to release a collection known as the "Best of the Mint." This series will feature gold coins that reflect and showcase the rich numismatic history of the nation. The specific coins to be included in this initiative were also something the Mint sought public input regarding during the now-closed survey. Participants were asked to rank 21 iconic designs from throughout the Mint’s long history. Some of the examples that could be ranked included the 1792 Half Disme, 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar, 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, 1909 Lincoln Cent, 1916 Liberty Walking Half Dollar, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, and 1986 State of Liberty $5 Gold Coin.
After gathering feedback from collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike, the Mint has now finalized the historic designs that will be featured in the "Best of the Mint" collection. The upcoming release will pay tribute to some of the most celebrated and artistically significant coins in American history—each one a landmark of its era. From early 19th-century relics to iconic 20th-century classics, these selected coins represent a powerful blend of craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural legacy. Below, we take a closer look at the timeless designs that have earned their place in this exciting upcoming series.
5 Classic Coins
To curate this remarkable series, the United States Mint selected five timeless designs that continue to capture the imagination of collectors and history lovers alike. Each coin embodies a unique chapter of America’s numismatic story and reflects the artistry and innovation of its time. These final selections were confirmed following public input and are detailed on the Mint’s official announcement of the “Best of the Mint” program here.
- 1916 Winged Liberty Head Dime: Commonly known as the "Mercury Dime," this coin features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it was minted from 1916 to 1945 and is celebrated for its artistic beauty and historical significance.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar: This quarter, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, showcases Liberty standing between two pedestals, holding a shield and an olive branch, representing preparedness and peace. Introduced in 1916, it replaced the Barber quarter and is noted for its intricate design and the brief period it featured a bare-breasted Liberty before modifications were made in 1917.
- 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: Adolph A. Weinman's design for this half dollar depicts Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, with branches of laurel and oak in her arms, symbolizing civil and military glory. Minted from 1916 to 1947, it remains one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coinage history.
- 1804 Draped Bust, Class I Dollar: Often referred to as the "King of American Coins," the 1804 dollar was actually struck in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts, despite bearing the 1804 date. Only 15 known specimens exist, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins among collectors.
- 1907 Saint-Gaudens MCMVII: Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt, this $20 gold piece was designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Its high-relief design and Roman numeral date (MCMVII) exemplify classical artistry and are considered a pinnacle of American coin design.
5 1-Ounce Fine Silver Medals
In addition to the five gold coins featured in the “Best of the Mint” collection, the United States Mint will also release a series of five-ounce silver medals. These non-denominated medals are designed to serve as companion pieces to the gold coins, offering a more accessible option for collectors while preserving the artistry and historical significance of the original designs.
Each silver medal will mirror the imagery and themes of its corresponding gold coin, making them a perfect pairing for those who appreciate the legacy of U.S. coinage. According to a recent review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), these silver medals are being carefully considered for their aesthetic alignment and collectible appeal. With this thoughtful companion series, the Mint is ensuring that more collectors can participate in commemorating some of the most iconic designs in American numismatic history.
Additional Coin Programs Entering Circulation
In addition to the Semiquincentennial Coin Program, other initiatives were also authorized as part of the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act. These include the American Women Quarters series, which is currently running, and the American Youth Sports series, which will start in 2027. Both of these series of quarters aim to celebrate American diversity, achievement, and the spirit of competition that defines us as a nation.
The American Women Quarter series will see five quarters issued annually from 2022 through 2025 and will feature designs that honor some of American history’s most important and influential women. The American Youth Sports series, which will run from 2027 through 2030, will see up to five different quarter designs issued each year that will honor youth sports. The Youth Sports Program also includes provisions for one half dollar to be issued annually that will celebrate sports that are accessible to athletes with a wide variety of disabilities.
2026 Commemorative Coin Program
As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, a new commemorative coin program is currently under legislative consideration. A bill introduced in late 2024 proposes a special four-coin series to mark this milestone in U.S. history. If passed, the program would authorize the release of gold $25 coins, silver $2.50 coins, standard circulating quarters, and $2.50 fine silver coins—each uniquely designed to honor America’s Semiquincentennial.
The commemorative initiative is intended to complement other offerings from the Mint while engaging both serious collectors and the general public. Each coin would celebrate foundational elements of the nation’s past, adding artistic and historical value to the already rich 2026 lineup. According to a report from CoinWorld, this bill is a reintroduction of a previous effort, underscoring the enduring interest in creating a robust numismatic tribute for the country’s 250th birthday.
Learn More
From the public's involvement in the design selection process to the anticipation of new circulating coinage, the Semiquincentennial Coin Program is a testament to the U.S. Mint's commitment to celebrating America's rich history. As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, let's also take a moment to appreciate the journey thus far reflected in the coins we use every day.
For those interested in expanding their collection, consider exploring the wide range of coins that have been issued by the United States Mint with reputable vendors like GOVMINT. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a budding numismatist, there's always something new to discover in the world of coin collecting.
References:
https://www.numismaticnews.net/us-coins/mint-announces-two-new-coin-programs
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2384?s=1&r=49
https://catalog.usmint.gov/semiq/
https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/mint-opens-survey-calls-for-comment-on-2026-coin-designs
https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/semiquincentennial-coins
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