USA: New series of circulating coins 2026

[eurocoin]

The United States Mint is planning to release a special standard circulating coin series in 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the country's founding. The 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent and 50 cent coins will get new obverse and reverse designs. It is a 1-year-set only. In 2027 the 1 cent, 5 cent and 10 cent coins will again depict the current designs.

[brandm24]

I hadn't heard about that, eurocoin. I like the idea of shaking up the circulating coinage a bit.

Perhaps the new designs should be permanent, but one year of issue is a step in the right direction. Some of the portraits have been used for so many years that maybe it's time for a redo. I can understand why they won't be though. Lincoln and Washington in particular are of such vast importance in the history of our country that they probably shouldn't be replaced. Lincoln has been on the 1 cent coin since 1909...111 years now...and Washington since 1932. I don't expect they will change any time in the near future.

Bruce

[Figleaf]

In the present political climate, I cannot imagine the two parties agreeing on the portraits of four politicians, even if they are the same politicians as before.

Peter

[kena]

Here is an article from Coin World about coins for the 250th anniversary of the US.

U.S. Mint seeking circulating commems for 250th anniversary in 2026

[brandm24]

In the present political climate, I cannot imagine the two parties agreeing on the portraits of four politicians, even if they are the same politicians as before.

Peter

Which is the reason I don't like portraits of real people, politicians or not, on coins. I'd much rather see allegorical representations like "Liberty" or iconic American symbols such as the Liberty Bell or the American eagle.

Bruce

[chrisild]

In my opinion, such allegories are so 19th or early 20th century. Now if they have been in use on coins for such a long time (see the UK or Switzerland), fine. But "bringing them back" instead of thinking about what could be appropriate designs in the third decade of the twenty-first century ... well, as much as I like old half-timbered houses or medieval cathedrals, I would find it strange if modern architecture looked like that.

Christian

[Figleaf]

Well, I have sympathy for brandm's intentions, but I can see how it will be just as difficult to agree on values as on politicians. Yes, liberty is originally independence, but today, it is interpreted as carrying guns or a statue in NY. Does "in god we trust" mean "we want to behave in a moral way" or "out with the separation between church and state"? Even raising such questions might end all civilised discussion.

"E pluribus unum" may offer the best hope of bi-partisan support (but remember "not my president" and attacks on federal institutions and tools from the judiciary and the press to the voting system and the Fed). It is a concept that can be worked out in several ways, enough to cover a series of coins, that sneakily lead back to other values in an acceptable way.

Peter

[brandm24]

In my opinion, such allegories are so 19th or early 20th century. Now if they have been in use on coins for such a long time (see the UK or Switzerland), fine. But "bringing them back" instead of thinking about what could be appropriate designs in the third decade of the twenty-first century ... well, as much as I like old half-timbered houses or medieval cathedrals, I would find it strange if modern architecture looked like that.

Christian

It's just the nostalgic part of me, Christian. The "good old days", if you will.

Bruce

[kena]

I feel that Lady Liberty and Bald Eagle are timeless symbols of America.

Two examples of coins have been included.

[brandm24]

I feel that Lady Liberty and Bald Eagle are timeless symbols of America.

Two examples of coins have been included.

Two iconic symbols of America to be sure. These are recognizable and enduring, unlike some of the portraits on current coins and currency. While Alexander Hamilton was instrumental in the birth of our nation, how many people are aware of his many contributions? Sadly, too few.

Bruce

[onecenter]

The Gobrecht reverse design of the late 1830s would be a wonderful choice and one of my personal favorites.

[brandm24]

The Gobrecht reverse design of the late 1830s would be a wonderful choice and one of my personal favorites.

The flying eagle design is graceful in my opinion. My favorite though is the standing eagle rendition on the reverse of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar (posted upthread).

Bruce

[brandm24]

I mentioned in reply #9 about the contributions of Alexander Hamilton to the founding of the United States. I thought I'd supply a link for those who have an interest. An even more impressive man than even I knew.   Alexander Hamilton - Wikipedia

Bruce

[eurocoin]

In September the plans for the new coin series in 2026 were approved by the House of Representatives. Ever since, progress seems to have stalled as the Congress has not yet approved it. After that it will also still have to be signed by the president before the approval process is completed.

[eurocoin]

On January 13, President Trump signed the legislation. The issuance of this new coin series has now been fully approved. One of the coins in the series has to depict women.