The United States Mint is marking America’s Semiquincentennial, the nation’s 250th anniversary, by issuing five special quarters throughout 2026. Each coin carries the dual date 1776-2026 and features unique designs on both the front and back, all tied to key moments in American history. The quarters are available this year only, making them a collector’s item for history enthusiasts across Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties and beyond.
The first quarter, released on February 5, 2026, is called the Mayflower Compact. The front depicts two pilgrims gazing at the new world, while the reverse shows the Mayflower sailing west. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, signed aboard the ship before passengers set foot on land. After 66 days at sea and being blown off course, the pilgrims landed near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1620. The second quarter, issued on March 27, 2026, honors the Revolutionary War, which lasted from April 19, 1775, to September 3, 1783. The front features Founding Father and Continental Army Commander George Washington, who later became the nation’s first president. The reverse depicts a soldier at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where roughly 2,000 men perished during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. Those who survived helped Washington forge a more unified and disciplined fighting force.
The third quarter, issued on June 12, 2026, is called the Declaration of Independence. Its front side features Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, the document’s primary author. Two additional quarters are expected to be released later in 2026, continuing the series through this milestone anniversary year. Residents looking to collect the full set can visit local banks or the US Mint’s official website for more information on availability. For a deeper look at the Semiquincentennial celebration, the America250 Foundation offers resources on national events and commemorations tied to Independence Day 2026.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
