The journey to America’s 250th anniversary continues with the U.S. Mint revealing the second release in its Best of the Mint numismatic program. Following last month’s announcement of the Mercury dime set, the Mint now turns to another 1916 classic — the Standing Liberty design by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil.
As part of the year-long observance, circulating U.S. coins in 2026 will feature special one-year-only designs honoring the nation’s people, ideals, and evolving story, including an updated cent and nickel, unique versions of the dime, half dollar, and five Semiquincentennial quarters themed to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Abolition, Suffrage, and Civil Rights. These updates are authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330).
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 — selected after the Mint invited Americans to vote in a public survey on their favorites — reissued in 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold, each paired with a newly created one-ounce silver medal offering a modern interpretation of the original artwork.
This second set pairs a 1/4-ounce gold coin re-creating the original Standing Liberty quarter with a one-ounce silver medal that offers a contemporary interpretation of its iconic imagery. Together, the pieces celebrate both the historic artistry and enduring ideals embodied in Liberty.
A Renaissance in American Coinage
MacNeil’s Standing Liberty quarter debuted in 1916, part of a broader renaissance in U.S. coin design. It quickly became a favorite among collectors, admired for its bold depiction of Liberty stepping through an opening in a wall while holding a shield of protection and an olive branch of peace. The coin’s reverse features a graceful American eagle in flight, flanked by 13 stars representing the original colonies.
For 2026, this design returns in a gold version bearing its original issue date along with the program’s distinguishing Liberty Bell "250" privy mark.
Modern Interpretation on Silver
The companion silver medal draws inspiration from the classic quarter while offering new artistic elements. Its obverse portrays a windswept Liberty extending olive branches toward a distant eagle, symbolizing both vigilance and diplomacy.
The reverse focuses on a close-up of the eagle’s talons clutching the branches — a continuation of the narrative begun on the front.
Best of the Mint Series Progresses
The Best of the Mint series, which will ultimately feature five sets, reissues historic U.S. coin designs in 24-karat gold alongside modern silver medals. Each pairing reflects the past while offering a fresh vision for America’s future as the nation approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The Standing Liberty gold coin and silver medal set follows July’s announcement featuring Adolph A. Weinman’s Mercury dime. According to the Mint, additional sets will be revealed monthly leading up to next year’s milestone celebration.
