Celebrating 250 Years of American History: The U.S. Mint’s 2026 Semiquincentennial Coins

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. And the U.S. Mint is marking the milestone with a full lineup of 2026 U.S. coin designs – including five new quarter designs and the first new dime in 80 years!

Whether you’re new to collecting or have been filling albums for years, these 2026 coins offer a one-year-only look at the history and ideas that shaped the nation.

So let’s take a look at the exciting 2026 Semiquincentennial program and all these special 2026 U.S. coins. Starting with the…

2026 Emerging Liberty Dime (Semiquincentennial Series)

One of the standout pieces of the 2026 U.S. coin program is the new Emerging Liberty dime design. The obverse shows a determined Liberty facing right, the winds of revolution wafting through her hair as she faces the tyranny of the British monarchy with steadfast resolve.

On her head, she wears a liberty cap featuring the stars and stripes to symbolize both our burgeoning Nation and early American coinage. While inscriptions read liberty, in god we trust and 1776 ~ 2026.

The reverse design depicts an eagle in flight bearing arrows in its talons, which represents the American Revolution and the colonists’ fight for independence. Reverse inscriptions read united states of america, e pluribus unum, one dime and liberty over tyranny.

Like the nickel, and five 2026 quarters, the 2026 dime is planned for circulation. However, many collectors will want Uncirculated or Proof specimens for their collections.

1776–2026 Jefferson Nickel (Dual-Date Design)

The nickel saw a number of changes in 2004-2006 with the Westward Journey series. So it’s not surprising the 2026 nickel design will be relatively unchanged.

It keeps the current Thomas Jefferson obverse and Monticello reverse. But adds the special 1776–2026 dual date to mark the America’s Semiquincentennial. It’s subtle, but collectors enjoy changes like this. Especially since this denomination rarely receives major redesigns.

Like the dime, the 2026 nickel is planned for circulation. But again, those seeking quality pieces will want to hold out for Uncirculated coins or Proofs. 

The Five 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarters

Without a doubt, the 2026 quarter designs are the centerpiece of the Semiquincentennial program. The U.S. Mint is releasing five different quarters, each highlighting a key moment or document in American history.

As with the nickel and dime, these coins will be struck for circulation. But if, like me, you want Uncirculated or Proof specimens, don’t worry. They’re expected to be included and in every U.S. Mint collector set for the year.

The five 2026 quarter designs are…

1. Mayflower Compact Quarter

The first 2026 quarter is the Mayflower Compact quarter. It honors one of America’s earliest agreements on self-governance, and will be a great educational coin for younger collectors learning about colonial history.

On the obverse, two Pilgrims embrace as they behold the New World. While the reverse depicts the Mayflower heading west with full sails over rough seas.

2. Revolutionary War Quarter

The next 2026 quarter pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the American Revolution. And it does a superb job, with imagery that evokes the strength and determination of the Continental forces.

The obverse features George Washington, who served as both Commander-in-Chief of America’s Continental Army and first President of the United States. And if the portrait looks familiar, that’s because it previously graced 2007 George Washington Presidential dollars.

While the reverse depicts a Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania – his resolute gaze showing his determination to overcome the trials of the war in pursuit of liberty.

3. Declaration of Independence Quarter

The third quarter’s bold design celebrates the Declaration of Independence. Its obverse depicts the historic document’s primary author – and third U.S. President – Thomas Jefferson facing left.

The reverse of the quarter features the iconic Liberty Bell ringing fiercely and boldly, announcing America’s determination to forge her own destiny as a new, independent nation.

4. U.S. Constitution Quarter

Next up is the 2026 U.S. Constitution quarter. Like the Revolutionary War quarter, its obverse design was previously used on a 2007 coin. But this time, it’s the James Madison Presidential dollar.

Which makes sense. After all, Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his role in drafting and promoting the document that established the framework of American government.

On its reverse, the coin shows Independence Hall in Philadelphia and bears the inscription we the people – highlighting the principle that America’s government is grounded in the consent of those governed.

5. Gettysburg Address Quarter

The final 2026 Semiquincentennial quarter honors one of the most powerful speeches in American history – and a turning point in the nation’s story. Namely, Abraham Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg Address.

Its obverse features a portrait of the 16th U.S. president. It was previously used on 2009 Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial commemorative silver dollars, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

While the reverse bears the inscription a new nation conceived in liberty, a passage from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Along with two hands grasping each other symbolizing Lincoln’s efforts to hold the Nation together.

Whether individually or together, these 2026 quarters are certain to be welcome and eye-catching additions to any quarter collection. And for new collectors, this five-coin quarter set offers an easy and fun collecting goal in 2026.

Collector-Only 2026 Lincoln Cent

The next coin also honors Abraham Lincoln. Although production of cents for circulation ended in November 2025, so it’s unlikely you’ll find the 2026 Lincoln cent in change. But it will be struck for collectors and appear in Mint and Proof sets.

The 2026 penny will feature Victor D. Brenner’s iconic portrait of Lincoln, plus the series’ final Shield reverse. But it will also bear the dual date 1776–2026 to mark America’s Semiquinentennial.

With the cent discontinued, this is one coin collectors everywhere will want. Demand will surely exceed supply, so make sure you grab yours as soon as they become available.

2026 Enduring Liberty Half Dollar

The Enduring Liberty Half Dollar is another collector-only design for 2026. The obverse features a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, gazing steadfastly towards the future. While the reverse shows Liberty passing her torch forward to the next generation. Along with the inscription knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

Because the half dollar changes so rarely, this one-year issue is expected to be popular in 2026 mint sets and other numismatic releases.

Where to Find the 2026 Semiquincentennial Coins

Because the mint is planning to strike some of the 2026 U.S. coins for circulation, collectors may be able to find examples in everyday change. But others, like the 2026 penny and half dollar, will be produced for collectors only.

So those seeking a complete set – or higher-grade examples, like Uncirculated and Proof coins – will need to visit a reputable coin dealer, like Littleton Coin Company.

Littleton is already working to ensure we will have a full selection of 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial coins for our customers. So stay tuned for future updates and announcements!

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Collecting Moment

In addition to the coins covered above, the Mint will also honor the nation’s 250th anniversary with special privy marks on Silver and Gold American Eagles, Gold American Buffaloes, and 2026 Morgan and Peace silver dollars.

But I’m especially looking forward to the 2026 U.S. coins that are specifically part of the Semiquincentennial series.

The 2026 Semiquincentennial coins give collectors a unique chance to hold this important American milestone in their hands. From the five quarters highlighting iconic moments in American history to the special dime, nickel, half dollar and collector-only cent, these designs help mark a major moment in our nation’s history.

For young collectors starting out, or seasoned hobbyists filling cabinets and albums, the 2026 lineup is sure to spark excitement.

And perhaps even inspire the next generation to explore the stories behind America’s coins.

Want to know when each coin is released?

You’ll be able to find out more about the 2026 Semiquincentennial Coins series in Littleton’s Coin Collecting Learn Center as information becomes available.

And if you want to be notified when each 2026 coin becomes available, subscribe to Littleton’s free email newsletter here. You can also join our VIP list by texting JOIN to 85919.

Also, be sure to follow us on social media for other exciting updates, offers and announcements. You can find our official social media pages here:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littletoncoincompany
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• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/LittletonCoin

And while we wait, I’d love to know which of the upcoming 2026 U.S. coins do you like best?

Are you planning to collect the series?

Let us know in the comments!

Until next time,

Happy Collecting!

Sources:

“Semiquincentennial Coin Program Media Kit.” United States Mint. Last Updated December 14, 2025. https://www.usmint.gov/news/media-kit/semiq-resources

Graybill, Darcie. “America250 Coins Revealed.” The Reading Room, American Numismatic Association. December 11, 2025.https://readingroom.money.org/america-250-coins-revealed/

Unser, Mike. “First Look at 1776 ~ 2026 Semiquincentennial Coin Images.” CoinNews.net. December 11, 2025.https://www.coinnews.net/2025/12/12/1776-2026-semiquincentennial-coin-images/

_{* Littleton Coin Company is not affiliated with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission or America250.}