U.S. coins commemorating the 250th anniversary in 2026 use the dual date 1776~2026.
The two years identify the historical starting point and the anniversary year: 1776 is associated with the Declaration of Independence, while 2026 is the year of the Semiquincentennial observance. The tilde-like separator distinguishes the anniversary format from an ordinary single-year coin date.
Dual dating has appeared on earlier American commemorative coinage, including the 1776–1976 Bicentennial issues. The 2026 program continues that visual tradition while using a new anniversary span.
The dates should not be confused with 1787, the year the Constitution was signed, or 1607, the year associated with Jamestown’s founding. Those are important American historical dates, but they do not define the America250 anniversary. The coin format specifically points from independence in 1776 to the 2026 celebration.