Which federal law authorized the U.S. Mint to redesign circulating coins for the 2026 United States Semiquincentennial?

The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 authorized the U.S. Mint to redesign circulating coins for the 2026 United States Semiquincentennial. The law created the legal framework for the special anniversary issues.

The legislation permitted new designs for the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar during 2026. It also required the quarter-dollar program to include five designs connected with the semiquincentennial, including one recognizing women’s contributions to American history.

The law is separate from the legislation that established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. That commission was created earlier, in 2016, to coordinate anniversary planning. The 2020 redesign law instead focused on the Mint’s coin program and design-selection process, involving the Treasury secretary, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.