CFA Shake-Up Sparks Concern for Upcoming 2026 Semiquincentennial Coins
Political upheaval at the CFA and hearings for a new Mint director raise questions about timing and leadership as 2026 coin designs near release.
New issues, be they for circulation or made for collectors, are an important segment of the market. It is also the area where politics surrounding these issues may grab headlines.
On Oct. 28, the entire U.S. Commission of Fine Arts was fired. The CFA advises the Secretary of the Treasury on U.S. circulating and commemorative coinage and medal designs. This is where it could get interesting, considering subjects and designs for the 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial coins and medals need to be unveiled shortly.
Understand this isn’t the first time such disruptions have occurred at the CFA. In 2021, President Joseph Biden fired four of the six CFA commissioners, who had been appointed by then-President Donald Trump during his first term in office. What we are seeing is the latest intrigue in the long and scandalous history of U.S. numismatics. There will be new members appointed to the CFA; however, will they be appointed in time to avoid potential problems with Semiquincentennial coins and medals?
At the time this commentary is being written, the government is ramping back up following a prolonged shutdown. Adding excitement as well as drama are the congressional hearings through which coin book author and dealer Paul Hollis may be selected as the next director of the U.S. Mint. Hollis told the committee, “My passion and experience that spans many decades has equipped me to energize audiences, share the captivating stories behind our coinage, and promote new designs with enthusiasm and vision.” We want audiences to be energized. Hopefully, Hollis will get his opportunity. We’d like the 41st director of the mint to be someone who actually understands coins.
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