The fifth and final quarter created for America’s 250th anniversary enters circulation today, Oct. 19, as the United States Mint just announced it has begun shipping its new 1776 ~ 2026 Gettysburg Address quarter to Federal Reserve Banks.
From there, the coins will move through the nation’s banking system to commercial banks and financial institutions before eventually appearing in everyday transactions.
The Gettysburg Address quarter completes a series of five one-year designs commemorating significant events and ideals in American history. The 2026 releases include:
- Mayflower Compact (entered circulation Jan. 5)
- Revolutionary War (entered circulation March 23)
- Declaration of Independence (entered circulation June 1)
- U.S. Constitution (entered circulation Aug. 10)
- Gettysburg Address (entered circulation Oct. 19)
Gettysburg Address Quarter Designs
Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, appears on the obverse of the new quarter. His weathered expression recalls the toll of the Civil War, while his forward-looking gaze conveys resolve and determination to preserve the Union. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST and 1776 ~ 2026.
U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Justin Kunz designed the obverse, which was sculpted by former Mint Medallic Artist Don Everhart.
The reverse depicts two hands firmly clasped together, symbolizing Lincoln’s efforts to reunite a divided nation and his appeal to Americans to uphold the principles for which Union soldiers had fought and died.
Above the hands is A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY, adapted from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered Nov. 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Additional inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 25¢ and GETTYSBURG ADDRESS.
Beth Zaiken, a member of the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, designed the reverse, while Mint Medallic Artist Craig Campbell sculpted it.
Circulation-quality Gettysburg Address quarters are produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, bearing their respective P and D mint marks. Production began in April, with a combined 2.8 million coins struck through September, split evenly between the two facilities. Many more are expected to have been produced since then, with October’s figures due in November.
Circulation Production of 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarters
| Denver | Philadelphia | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mayflower Compact Quarter | 170,200,000 | 146,200,000 | 316,400,000 |
| 2026 Revolutionary War Quarter | 102,400,000 | 100,400,000 | 202,800,000 |
| 2026 Declaration of Independence Quarter | 126,600,000 | 108,600,000 | 235,200,000 |
| 2026 U.S. Constitution Quarter | 143,200,000 | 18,400,000 | 161,600,000 |
| 2026 Gettysburg Address Quarter | 1,400,000 | 1,400,000 | 2,800,000 |
| Total | 543,800,000 | 375,000,000 | 918,800,000 |
By comparison, production totals for the four earlier Semiquincentennial quarters range from 161.6 million for the U.S. Constitution quarter to 316.4 million for the Mayflower Compact quarter.
Gettysburg Address Quarter Rolls and Bags for Collectors
Collectors will have another route to the coins next month. On Nov. 13, the Mint will begin selling Gettysburg Address quarters through its website at noon ET, offering a two-roll set containing 40 coins each from Philadelphia and Denver for $56, along with separate 100-coin bags from each facility priced at $63.
Rolls and bags for the four earlier 2026 Semiquincentennial quarters became unavailable soon after their releases.
The Mint will also celebrate the Gettysburg Address quarter’s release with a public launch ceremony and coin exchange Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.
Other 2026 Semiquincentennial circulating coins include the Emerging Liberty dime, which replaces Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait, and the Enduring Liberty half dollar, which replaces John F. Kennedy’s likeness.
