What phrase described the theme of the 2026 semiquincentennial dime’s reverse design?

“Liberty over Tyranny” described the theme of the 2026 semiquincentennial dime’s reverse design. The design selected for the reverse depicted an eagle in flight carrying arrows.

The phrase expresses a political and historical idea associated with the American founding: liberty should prevail over arbitrary or oppressive rule. The eagle and arrows connect the imagery to long-standing American national symbolism, while the theme places the coin within the broader narrative of independence and self-government.

The dime’s design process involved both the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. They reviewed candidate designs for the obverse and reverse in October 2024. The committees considered different representations of Liberty, including a Liberty figure shown as African American and a Liberty figure wearing a liberty cap.

This dime was part of a larger 2026 coin program that included cents, nickels, five quarters, a half dollar, and a dollar. Its theme should not be confused with the historical subjects assigned to the five special quarters, which focused on specific documents, events, or movements.