The earlier year appearing with 2026 on America250 semiquincentennial U.S. coins is 1776.
The paired dates connect the founding-era declaration with its 250th anniversary. The dual date is written as 1776–2026 or 1776~2026 in descriptions of the coinage, depending on the design and typography.
Some 2026 U.S. coins were planned or issued with anniversary-related designs, including a dime, five quarters, a half dollar, and a dollar. The five quarter designs represent different episodes or documents in American history.
The dual date is not the same as the 1975–1976 date range used for many Bicentennial coins. Those earlier coins commemorated 200 years, while the 2026 issues mark 250 years since 1776.