This past fourth of July, the United States Mint began their countdown to the nation’s 250th anniversary! To celebrate America’s semi quincentennial, the Mint will not only be modifying the circulating coins to commemorate the occasion, they will also issue five special “Best of the Mint” coin and medal sets.
These sets will include 24kt .9999 fine gold coins in addition to 1oz silver companion medals. The designs will represent historic coins in U.S. coinage and bear a special Liberty Bell privy mark with “250.” While the order of release is currently unknown, let us explore the issues waiting for us in 2026!
The 1804 Silver Dollar is a “top dog” in numismatic history, so it is no surprise that it will be repurposed in a .9999 fine gold coin. The obverse features a draped bust of Liberty surrounded by 13 stars and a long ribbon in her hair, along with the new Liberty Bell 250th privy mark. The reverse features the heraldic eagle design.
Its 1oz silver companion medal draws its inspiration from the original 1804-dated design. It depicts flowing hair on Liberty with 13 stars and the date of 2026. The reverse features clouds surrounding the earth with an eagle and sun also appearing, symbolizing the international journey and legacy of the original design.
Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt with the intent to modernize and elevate U.S. coinage, the 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle was a shoe in for the Best of the Mint products. It is thought to be one of the most visually appealing coins to date as it depicts a full-length statuesque position on the obverse. She appears in stride with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The United States Capitol is seen in the distant background with MCMVII on the obverse. The .9999 fine gold coin will have the additional Liberty Bell 250th privy. The reverse showcases the eagle in flight during sunrise.
The silver medal that will go along with its gold counterpart features a totally reinterpreted version of the Saint Gaudens gold coin from 1907. Liberty is shown on the obverse moving forward with her torch ablaze. The reverse is an ode to the original as it depicts an eagle in flight during sunrise, however, its wings are transformed into an American flag.
A nod to the original 1916 Mercury dime, the new gold coin will honor Adolph A. Weinman’s original Liberty in a winged cap on the obverse in addition to the special privy mark commemorating 250 years. The reverse will also showcase the fasces and an olive branch as seen on the original.
The silver medal accompanying the 1916 Mercury dime gold coin will pay tribute to the series that ran from 1916-1945. During that time, the United States endured a great deal of transformation. The 1oz medal will showcase Mercury in armor with a sword in her hand, along with elements of a cityscape and rural farm images. This image is said to invoke the ever-evolving nation and the strength endured during this time of change.
Following in the footsteps of the Mercury dime are the Standing Liberty quarter and the Walking Liberty half dollar, both dated 1916. The .9999 fine gold coins will feature the image of the original obverses and reverses with the addition of the Liberty Bell 250th privy.
The 1oz silver companion medal for the Standing Liberty quarter design depicts Liberty turning to offer an eagle in the distance an olive branch. The reverse shows that olive branch up close in the eagle’s talons. The silver medal for the Walking Liberty half dollar presents bold images on both the obverse and reverse, reimagining Weinman’s images from the original design. It features both Liberty on the obverse looking towards the sun with the eagle soaring on the reverse.
Source: United States Mint