Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: Coins and Medals

Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: Coins and Medals

Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: Coins and Medals

February 6, 2026 (IF13165)

On July 4, 2026, the United States celebrates the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. For 2026, several newly designed coins and medals are scheduled to be issued. These include newly redesigned circulating coins and the release of numismatic (collector) coins and medals to celebrate the semiquincentennial.

Circulating Coins Redesign

In the 116th Congress (2019-2020), the Circulating Collection Coin Redesign Act (CCRA; PP.L. 116-330) authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to temporarily redesign circulating coins for the 2026 semiquincentennial, along with other coin redesigns between 2022 and 2030. In December 2025, the U.S. Mint announced the designs for the 2026 circulating coins.

Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, and Half-Dollars

The CCRA did not provide specific redesign instructions for the penny, nickel, dime, or half-dollar. The 2026 penny and nickel maintain past obverse and reverse images with the addition of the dual 1776-2026 date. For 2026, the dime puts Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The 2026 half-dollar features the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and Liberty "passing her torch ... to a new generation" on the reverse. While all of these coins are circulating coins, the penny and half-dollar will be released only as numismatic products. Figure 1 shows the 2026 penny, nickel, dime, and half-dollar designs.

Figure 1. 2026 Penny, Nickel, Dime, and Half-Dollar Designs

Source: U.S. Mint, "Semiquincentennial Coins & Medals."

Quarters

The CCRA authorized the U.S. Mint to redesign the quarter "with up to five different designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial" (§3). Five quarters are scheduled to be released in 2026. Figure 2 shows the 2026 quarters.

Figure 2. 2026 Quarter Designs

Source: U.S. Mint, "Semiquincentennial Coins & Medals."

Dollar Coins

The CCRA authorized the U.S. Mint to issue $1 coins "with designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial" (§3). In December 2025, the Mint announced potential designs for the 2026 $1 coin, which would feature President Donald J. Trump on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The issuance of semiquincentennial $1 coins would complement 2026 Native American and American Innovation $1 coins (§3). Figure 3 shows a proposed design for the 2026 $1 coin, as recommended by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

Figure 3. 2026 Dollar Coin Proposed Design

Source: Commission of Fine Arts, January 22, 2026, Letter to U.S. Mint; and U.S. Mint, "Semiquincentennial $1 Coin Candidate Designs."

Numismatic Products for 2026

In 2026, the Mint also plans to release numismatic products to celebrate the semiquincentennial. These will include the celebration of historic coins, dual dates, or a unique Liberty Bell privy mark inscribed with the number 250.

Nonround Coins and Medals

For the first time, the Mint plans to issue nonround gold coins and silver medals in 2026. Figure 4 shows a proposed design for the nonround 1-ounce gold coin, as recommended by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

Figure 4. Proposed Design Nonround Gold Coin

Source: Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, "Liberty Bell Non-Round Coins and Medals Candidate Design;" and CCAC, "Letter for Proposed Non-Round," November 21, 2024.

Best of the Mint

The "Best of the Mint" series is scheduled to honor five historic coins with gold coins that feature the coin's original design and silver medals that feature a modernized version inspired by the original design. Figure 5 shows the Best of the Mint gold coins and silver medals.

Figure 5. Best of the Mint Coins and Medals

Source: U.S. Mint, "Best of the Mint Gold & Silver Medal Sets."

Other Numismatic Products

The U.S. Mint also plans to include a semiquincentennial privy mark that depicts the Liberty Bell on other numismatic products.

For more information on historic coins, medals, and commemorative coins to celebrate milestone anniversaries of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, see CRS In Focus IF11926, Coins and Medals Celebrating the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For more information on congressional involvement in celebrations of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, see CRS Report R48473, Congressional Involvement in the Celebration of Anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence.