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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, in 2026 with a new set of circulating coins, created and released by the U.S. Mint, that celebrate the nation’s founding.
What To Know
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On December 10, the U.S. Mint unveiled its 2026 circulating coin program at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The new collection, which includes nickels, dimes, and quarters (plus collectable half-dollars and pennies), all feature designs symbolizing America’s journey toward a “more perfect union,” ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
The nickels, dimes, and quarters will carry the dual date "1776 ~ 2026" and showcase special designs representing iconic moments or documents in U.S. history, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence, alongside symbols of liberty, like Lady Liberty’s cap and an eagle in flight.
The half dollar will be a non-circulating collectible and represents the first major redesign since the 1976 Bicentennial. One side shows a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, and the reverse side shows Liberty passing the torch to a new generation—symbolizing the nation's future and continuity.
The penny—which will only be available in collector sets, not in general circulation—will keep its existing design, but will feature the dual date "1776 ~ 2026."
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Collectible coins, including American Buffalo, American Eagle, and Morgan & Peace series, will include a Liberty Bell privy mark with the numeral "250" and display the dual date.
Best of the Mint sets will reissue five historic gold coins—such as the 1916 Mercury Dime and the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle—each paired with a silver medal showcasing a modern reinterpretation of the original design.
The new coins will be struck at U.S. Mint facilities in Philadelphia and Denver. Congress has authorized the designs for one year only, after which quarters and half dollars will shift to celebrate youth and Paralympic sports through 2030.
What People Are Saying
Kristie McNally, acting director of the U.S. Mint, said: "The designs on these historic coins depict the story of America’s journey toward a ‘more perfect union,’ and celebrate America’s defining ideals of liberty. We hope to offer each American the opportunity to hold our nation’s storied 250 years of history in the palms of their hands as we Connect America through Coins."
What Happens Next
According to the U.S. Mint, the coins will come into general circulation at the beginning of January 2026 and will be available to buy as individual coins, in collector sets, or as part of commemorative releases.
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