WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Mint has announced a new series of quarter designs commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, choosing imagery centered on early American history and former presidents after previously considering themes tied to civil rights leaders and movements.
The five designs, revealed Wednesday, will appear on 2026 quarter-dollar coins issued as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration. The selected artwork highlights:
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The Pilgrims and the Mayflower
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George Washington during the Revolutionary War
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Thomas Jefferson paired with the Liberty Bell
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James Madison alongside Independence Hall
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Abraham Lincoln with an excerpt from the Gettysburg Address
Earlier concepts under review had included depictions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, women’s suffrage activists carrying “Votes for Women” banners, and imagery honoring Ruby Bridges, who at age six became the first Black child to integrate an elementary school in the South.
Mint Says Designs Aim to Capture America’s Foundational Story
Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said the final selections reflect the nation’s historical trajectory and enduring democratic principles.
“These designs tell the story of America’s journey toward forming a ‘more perfect union’ and honor the ideals of liberty that have shaped our national identity,” McNally said. “We hope every American has the chance to hold a piece of our 250 years of history in their hands.”
New Quarters Debut Amid Broader Changes to U.S. Coinage
The unveiling comes during a period of significant shifts in U.S. currency production.
In November, the Mint produced the final batch of pennies, ending more than two centuries of manufacturing the one-cent coin. Officials cited rising production costs and the growing preference for digital payment methods as key factors behind the decision.
Meanwhile, discussions continue around a potential $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump as part of the semiquincentennial observance. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach confirmed in October that the Treasury Department is considering multiple design options, including a coin with Trump depicted on both sides. The reverse design would reference the widely circulated image of Trump taken after last year’s assassination attempt.
A Treasury spokesperson told CNBC that no final decision has been made. As of this week, the Mint’s design shortlist includes three candidate portraits of Trump for the coin’s obverse.
