Use 2026 U.S. Coins to Promote Numismatics

Whenever there has been a major change in American coins and currency, there has been a surge of new collectors entering the numismatic hobby. That occurred when Half-Cent production ceased after 1857, and large cents were last struck that year. There was a major surge in collecting when the Kennedy Half Dollar debuted in 1964 and when the Statehood Quarter series began in 1999.

For 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint will issue special one-year designs of the one-cent through dollar coins to commemorate the event. These coins are described as the denominations struck for circulation, although it is possible that no cents, half dollars, or dollar coins may enter circulation.

As has been the case in recent years, five different 2026 quarters will commemorate the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Abolitionism, Suffrage, and Civil Rights.

Each of these coins will bear the dual dates of 1776 and 2026. The obverses will include a Liberty Bell privy mark, which will be inset with “250.” The cent and nickel will bear Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson, respectively, on the obverses, but the remaining obverses and all of the reverses will differ from current designs.

The Mint is still going through the process of deciding exactly which designs will appear on each coin.

The Mint is also going to issue a 5-coin Best of the Best set, with each coin struck in gold.  Each of these coins will bear the original design and issue date, but the obverse will have the Liberty Bell privy mark showing 250. Thus far, the Mint has revealed the design of only one denomination, which will feature the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter on the new quarter. To build suspense, the Mint plans to reveal one of these designs each month for the rest of this year.

Obviously, this presents another significant opportunity to promote numismatics to the general public. Every collector and dealer should step up to encourage new collectors. Why? First, the greater the number of collectors in the hobby, the greater the demand for coins and currency. This will tend to increase the value of your holdings. Second, when there are more collectors, you can find more friends to share your collecting passion with.

There are many ways to encourage new numismatists as these coins start to appear in circulation next year. The lowest-cost option would be to go to a bank or credit union to pick up rolls of these coins and spend them. There are also various options for donating these coins to schools or offering them in public promotions. Just use your imagination.

Last column’s numismatic trivia question.

Last time I asked— When the U.S. Mint was established, which Cabinet member had jurisdiction over it? (Hint: it was not the Secretary of the Treasury.) The answer was the Secretary of State, who happened to be Thomas Jefferson. He served in this office from March 22, 1790, to December 31, 1799.

This week’s trivia question

Here is this week’s question. Which leader of another European nation invaded Great Britain, became King of Great Britain, and is depicted on British coins? Come back next week for the answer.

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