United States Mint Releases Declaration of Independence Quarters into Circulation

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2026 — The United States Mint (Mint) will begin shipping the 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter honoring the Declaration of Independence to the Federal Reserve for distribution to commercial banks and financial institutions on June 1.

The Declaration of Independence Quarter obverse (heads) features Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. The inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1776 ~ 2026.” The reverse (tails) depicts the Liberty Bell ringing. While it is unclear whether it rang out in July 1776, the Liberty Bell often rang to draw people near and share an announcement, or a declaration. The Bell’s crack is visible; the fragility of the Bell echoing the fragility of a young nation at its founding. The inscriptions are “THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” 

Authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330), and signed into law on January 13, 2021, by President Donald J. Trump, these coins commemorate 250 years of American Liberty by reflecting our country’s founding principles and honoring our Nation’s history.

For more information on the Semiquincentennial Coin Program and future collectible products, visit the Mint's website.