On Independence Day, the U.S. Mint officially launched its countdown to the 250th anniversary of the United States, to be celebrated in 2026. As part of the year-long observance, circulating U.S. coins will feature special one-year-only designs honoring the nation’s people, ideals, and evolving story. The redesigns are authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330).
The Mint is currently working with the Secretary of the Treasury to finalize these designs, which are expected to be unveiled later this year. In addition to an updated cent and nickel, a unique dime, half dollar and five Semiquincentennial quarters will be issued. Each quarter will highlight a theme tied to the nation’s founding and progress, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Abolition, Suffrage, and Civil Rights.
To complement the circulating coin program, the Mint will also launch a special numismatic series called Best of the Mint. This five-part collection will showcase historic U.S. coin designs – voted on by the public – reissued in 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold, each bearing its original issue date and a Liberty Bell privy mark featuring "250." Every gold coin will be paired with a newly designed one-ounce silver medal that offers a modern interpretation of the original design. The program reflects public input and reviews by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), with final approval by the Treasury Secretary.
The first release in the Best of the Mint series revisits Adolph A. Weinman’s Winged Liberty Head design, introduced in 1916 and commonly known as the Mercury dime. Symbolizing freedom of thought, the design remained in circulation through 1945, serving the nation through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and two world wars.
For 2026, it returns as a 1/10 oz .9999 fine gold coin, paired with a silver medal that draws on classic Weinman elements reimagined in a contemporary style.
"Liberty stands posed in both defensive and offensive stances, while rays of hope extend from the sword – symbolizing the promise of peace. In the background, Hooverville shacks and swirling Dust Bowl winds echo the economic hardships of the time," the U.S. Mint describes in reference to the silver medal’s design. "Every element tells a powerful story of a nation enduring, evolving, and emerging stronger."
According to the Mint, one new design in the Best of the Mint series will be revealed each month, leading up to their release in 2026.
