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H.R. 5616: $2.50 for America’s 250th Act

This bill, titled the "$2.50 for America’s 250th Act," aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, set for July 4, 2026. It proposes the minting and issuance of two types of $2.50 coins: circulating coins for everyday transactions and numismatic coins intended for collectors.

Circulating $2.50 Coins

The bill specifies the following provisions for the circulating $2.50 coins:

The Secretary of the Treasury will mint and issue a $2.50 circulating coin if it is deemed technically and economically feasible.
The coin will feature distinct characteristics to ensure it is recognizable as a $2.50 denomination.
For the first five years after its issuance, the coin's design will include:

The obverse (front) will depict allegorical liberty holding the Declaration of Independence, similar to the gold coin issued in 1926 for the 150th anniversary.
The reverse (back) will show Independence Hall, also based on the 1926 design.
Inscriptions "Semiquincentennial of the United States" and "1776–2026" will also be included.

After the initial five years, new designs can be selected by the Secretary every five years thereafter.

Numismatic $2.50 Coins

The bill further provides for the creation of numismatic $2.50 coins:

The Secretary may mint these special coins in various materials, such as silver, clad, and gold, along with determining their designs, quantities, and inscription details.
The initial design of the numismatic coins will be similar to that of the circulating coins, featuring the same images and inscriptions for the first two years.
Following this two-year period, new designs related to the founding of the United States may be introduced every two years thereafter.

Implementation Timeline

It is the sense of Congress that both the circulating and numismatic coins should be minted and made available to the public no later than July 4, 2026, or as soon as it is deemed technically and economically feasible.

Purpose and Importance

The rationale behind the bill is to recognize and celebrate a significant historical milestone in American history. It aims to connect citizens to their heritage and promote national unity through a tangible symbol of independence and democracy in the form of these coins.