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 Replies: 28 / Views: 1,639 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1961 Posts |
Quote:
WASHINGTON (WHNT) - The U.S House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill filed by Rep. Robert Aderholt that would create a new $2.50 coin in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
The bill would authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a collectible $2.50 commemorative coin and conduct a viability study for a potential circulating $2.50 coin for everyday use as the country prepares to mark the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The collectible coin would feature the historic design originally issued for America's 150th anniversary in 1926, updated to reflect the new milestone.
"As we mark 250 years of independence, it is important we find meaningful ways to bring Americans together," Aderholt said. "This coin offers a lasting tribute to our shared heritage and a reminder that what unites us is far greater than what divides us."
Aderholt, a Republican, introduced the legislation alongside Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey.
The text of the bill calls for a half dollar and a $2.50 gold piece. The bill text is at this link: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/...9s2952is.htm " Even a clock that's stopped is right twice a day. "
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2605 Posts |
Wow, that's encouraging! I don't see how this denomination would be a feasible circulating coin with the notable lack of dollar and half dollar coins in everyday commerce, but it's a fun idea for a numismatic coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10472 Posts |
Interesting - staying tuned in.........
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Moderator
United States
94666 Posts |
very neat! I hope it comes about.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12251 Posts |
At first read...
I find it interesting how the bill never calls the coins "commemorative coins" but uses the term "numismatic coins" instead. I guess this keeps it clear of interfering with any "regular" commemorative coin program (the two-per-year variety).
A bit disappointing that the initial coins will feature the designs of the the 1926 Gold Quarter Eagle Sesquicentennial coin. It would have been nice to see something entirely new for 2026.
Perhaps the MOST interesting provision of the bill is:
"Beginning on the date that is 5 years after the Secretary issues a coin under this subsection, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary may select a new design that celebrates the founding of the United States for the $2.50 coin."
A perpetual coin program?
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24886 Posts |
Quote:
...bear the image of allegorical liberty wielding the Declaration of Independence featured on the gold $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin issued in 1926
...bear the image of Independence Hall featured on the gold $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin issued in 1926 I hope that these images are updated - they could be much livelier. From Numista:  Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Moderator
United States
187544 Posts |
I really hope they include these in the uncirculated and proof Mint sets to help justify their higher cost this year.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1961 Posts |
Quote:
It is the sense of the Congress that the numismatic coins described in subsection (cc) of section 5112 of title
31, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, should be minted and issued not later than July 4, 2026, or as soon as it is technically and economically feasible. From the bill. . .seems unlikely the Mint could react that quickly. Edited by cptbilly
02/11/2026 12:49 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6451 Posts |
Yeah, that's an incredibly fast turnaround time. Although maybe it's possible to transform artwork into prototype sculpted coin into CNC cut hubs in six months.
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Moderator
United States
187544 Posts |
I have full faith and confidence they can get this done on time.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19111 Posts |
An adventure in the making...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
This refers to H.R. 5616 and in my reading of the bill the composition of the coin is at the discretion of the Treasury Secretary and not necessarily, therefore of gold. I'm wondering what happens when I go to Kwikee Mart and plunk down a clad $2.50 coin. I recall going to the bank in 1976 (I'm 75) and getting some new $2 bills the day they were released and subsequently using them to pay for lunch. Got some odd looks and the manager was called over who ultimately gave the o.k.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1913 Posts |
Try spending a Sacawagea or Presidential dollar. Half of the cashiers look at you like you're crazy. For even more fun, try spending a SBA dollar. |
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Moderator
United States
187544 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
656 Posts |
And just how many vending companies are going to upgrade their machines to accept these new circulated coins?
These Representatives do not seem to mind wasting our tax dollars on another boondoggle rather than working to improve American lives.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
733 Posts |
You must be old like me
Most of the people I work with are young and not only do they not carry change, they don't even carry paper money.
They use their debit or credit cards to buy a soda or a bag of chips and don't care about the 85 cent upcharge to do it.
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Replies: 28 / Views: 1,639 |
Posted 02/10/2026 6:36 pm
