The United States Mint has revealed designs for the next release in its Best of the Mint series — a modern tribute to one of the most storied rarities in American numismatics, the 1804 Dollar. This 2026 offering includes a one-ounce 99.99% fine gold reissue of the famed coin, paired with a companion one-ounce 99.9% fine silver medal. It marks the fourth installment in the program.
Introduced as part of the Mint’s 2026 Semiquincentennial celebration, the Best of the Mint series revisits some of the most celebrated designs in U.S. coinage. Each release features a 24-karat gold coin dated as originally issued and bearing a Liberty Bell privy mark with the number "250," accompanied by a silver medal that reinterprets the theme in modern form.
Earlier announced installments highlight Adolph A. Weinman’s Mercury dime, Hermon A. MacNeil’s Standing Liberty quarter, and Weinman’s Walking Liberty half dollar — each blending historic artistry with contemporary craftsmanship. The newest addition focuses on the famed 1804 Dollar, often described as the "King of American Coins."
Although dated 1804, the first examples of this coin were actually struck three decades later, in 1834, as part of special proof sets created for diplomatic gifts under President Andrew Jackson. Two of those sets were presented to foreign rulers: the King of Siam (modern-day Thailand) and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Only eight coins are known from the first striking, using the initial reverse die, and seven more were later struck in the 1850s from a second die. Their limited production and storied journey gave rise to their legendary status among collectors and historians alike.
1804 Dollar Design
The original coin reused the Draped Bust Dollar design last employed in 1803 to strike "1804"-dated dollars. The obverse depicts a draped bust of Liberty facing right, flanked by 13 stars, with long hair bound by a ribbon.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with raised wings and a United States shield upon its breast. The eagle holds a scroll inscribed with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in its beak, 13 arrows in its right talon, and an olive branch in its left. Above the eagle are clouds and 13 stars, with the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircling the design.
2026 Issuance of 1804 Dollar Gold Coin and Modern Interpretation on Silver Medal
For 2026, it returns as a one-ounce gold coin that faithfully echoes the 1804 Dollar’s historic design, paired with a one-ounce silver medal that draws inspiration from its artistry and symbolic legacy.
The companion silver medal’s obverse depicts Liberty with flowing, ribbon-like hair reminiscent of the Draped Bust design, while arched clouds from the classic reverse reappear as a braided motif — encircling Liberty’s head and the globe, symbolizing the dollar’s international journey and lasting legacy.
Additional details, including mintages, product limits, and release dates, will be announced closer to launch.
2026 Coinage Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial
As part of the year-long Semiquincentennial observance, circulating U.S. coins in 2026 will feature one-year-only designs honoring the nation’s people, ideals, and evolving story. The lineup includes 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 designs are authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330).
Together with the special circulating coinage, the Best of the Mint program forms a central element of the Mint’s 250th anniversary tribute, pairing one-year-only issues with modern reimaginings of historic favorites in gold and silver.
Earlier announced Best of the Mint releases include sets for the Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and Walking Liberty half dollar, each combining a gold coin (1/10-, 1/4-, and 1/2-ounce, respectively) with a silver medal. Design specifics for the final pairing in the series are expected to be announced in November.
