New quarter honoring the Declaration of Independence enters circulation June 1

May 26—A new quarter celebrating the Declaration of Independence and 250 years of American liberty is about to enter circulation across the country. Starting June 1, the U.S. Mint will ship the commemorative coin to the Federal Reserve for distribution to banks and financial institutions nationwide.

The U.S. Mint is a government agency that makes the nation's coins and produces medals and bullion.

The Declaration of Independence Quarter's obverse, also known as the head side of a quarter, features Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. The inscriptions read "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "1776 ~ 2026."

The reverse, also known as the tail side of a quarter, shows the Liberty Bell ringing with its crack visible.

The Mint said the fragility of the bell echoes the fragility of the young nation at its founding. The inscriptions read "THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

Authorized by a 2020 law signed by President Donald J. Trump, the coins mark America's 250th anniversary by paying tribute to the country's founding values and history.

In addition to the Declaration of Independence quarter, the U.S. Mint's 2026 semiquincentennial program includes a range of special "America 250" coins and medals celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. The collection features redesigned circulating nickels, dimes, quarters and half dollars, collectible dual-dated pennies, American Eagle coins with special privy marks, American Innovation $1 coins, annual proof sets and limited-edition Best of the Mint gold coin and silver medal sets inspired by historic U.S. coin designs.

The release follows other America 250-themed commemoratives, including a limited-edition coin made from original copper removed during the Statue of Liberty's 1980s restoration, blending U.S. history with collectible memorabilia.

Related: Statue of Liberty copper will become a limited-edition commemorative coin

For more information on the Semiquincentennial Coin Program and future collectible products, visit the Mint's website at usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/semiquincentennial/.

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