Which law authorized the special U.S. coins planned for the 2026 semiquincentennial?

The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 authorized the special U.S. coins planned for the 2026 semiquincentennial.

The law permitted the United States Mint to create circulating commemorative designs for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The planned program includes redesigned denominations across the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar series, with commemorative designs specified for most of them.

The act also authorized the American Women Quarters Program and other later circulating commemorative programs. It received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and was signed into law in 2021.

These coins are different from earlier silver or gold commemorative issues that were sold mainly to collectors. The America250 coinage was designed to connect the anniversary with coins used in ordinary commerce.