James Madison appears on the obverse of the 2026 Semiquincentennial Constitution quarter.
Madison is widely called the “Father of the Constitution” because of his central role in preparing for and participating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He kept detailed notes of the convention, helped develop the Virginia Plan, and later worked with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay on The Federalist essays defending the proposed Constitution.
The 2026 Constitution quarter pairs Madison’s portrait on the obverse with Independence Hall on the reverse. The Philadelphia building hosted the Constitutional Convention, although it is more commonly associated in popular memory with the Declaration of Independence. The paired design therefore links a principal constitutional architect with the convention’s meeting place.
Madison later became the fourth president of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. His presidential career is separate from his constitutional work, which is the historical role emphasized by this anniversary coin.