The first circulating 2026 United States Semiquincentennial coins entered circulation on January 5, 2026.
The initial release included the redesigned semiquincentennial dime, the Mayflower Compact quarter, and the Enduring Liberty half dollar. These coins were dated 2026 and formed the first publicly circulating part of a broader program commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Later releases followed throughout the year. The American Revolutionary War quarter was scheduled for March 23, the Declaration of Independence quarter for May 25, the Constitution quarter for August 10, and the Gettysburg Address quarter for October 21. These staggered dates allowed the Mint to introduce the anniversary designs in stages.
The program was authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. That law permitted special circulating designs for the semiquincentennial and required the designs to symbolize the anniversary. The coins are commemorative in theme but are legal tender, unlike many collector-only medals.