The U.S. Mint is preparing to release a new series of platinum coins in 2026 to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. This three-year program, called the “Charters of Freedom,” will include coins with themes representing the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The first coin in the series will feature a design inspired by the Declaration of Independence. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) recently reviewed the designs for these coins. The final design will be chosen later this year, and it will reflect the values and history of America’s independence.
| Year | Coin Theme | Key Design Elements | Obverse Design Features | Reverse Design Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Declaration of Independence | Quill writing on a scroll, “From Subjects to Citizens” | “LIBERTY” at top, “FROM SUBJECTS TO CITIZENS” in cursive | Common design with an American eagle and olive branch |
| 2027 | U.S. Constitution | To be finalized, likely to feature symbols of the Constitution | To be finalized | Common design with an American eagle and olive branch |
| 2028 | Bill of Rights | To be finalized, likely featuring elements from the Bill of Rights | To be finalized | Common design with an American eagle and olive branch |
Overview of the Charters of Freedom Program
The “Charters of Freedom” program will run for three years, starting in 2026, and will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Each year will feature a different theme that celebrates a key part of American history:
- 2026: Declaration of Independence
- 2027: U.S. Constitution
- 2028: Bill of Rights
These coins will be minted in platinum and have a face value of $100. The designs will be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee before they are finalized.
The Proposed Designs for the 2026 Coin
In July 2024, the CCAC reviewed 10 proposed designs for the 2026 platinum coin. The designs are still considered “works in progress,” and the committee will not make a final decision until later in the year. The proposed design that received the most support from the committee features a quill pen writing on a scroll. This symbolizes the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America’s transition from being subjects of the British king to becoming independent citizens.
The central message of the design is “FROM SUBJECTS TO CITIZENS,” which is written in cursive script as if it is being written by the quill. At the top of the coin, the word “LIBERTY” is written in block letters, and around the border are the phrases “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year “2026” is also shown at the bottom of the coin.
Coin Design and Symbolism
The quill and scroll design reflect the historical moment when the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the beginning of America’s journey as an independent nation. The inscription “FROM SUBJECTS TO CITIZENS” emphasizes the transition from British rule to self-governance.
The reverse side of the coin will feature a common design first introduced in 2018. This design shows an American eagle about to land, holding an olive branch in its talons. The eagle symbolizes freedom, strength, and the country’s ideals, while the olive branch represents peace.
The Role of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC)
The CCAC plays an important role in selecting designs for U.S. coins. During the July 15 review, the committee examined several proposed designs and provided feedback. The committee consists of 11 members, who represent different areas of expertise in art, design, and coinage. After reviewing the designs, the CCAC will make its recommendations to the Treasury secretary, who will have the final say on which design is chosen.
Conclusion
The “Charters of Freedom” program will be a significant part of the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations in 2026. The platinum coins in this series will honor key documents that shaped the nation. While the final designs are still being considered, the proposed themes and imagery reflect America’s history, values, and ideals. The coins will serve as both a tribute to the past and a symbol of the nation’s ongoing commitment to freedom and democracy.
FAQs
1. What is the Charters of Freedom program?
The Charters of Freedom is a three-year program by the U.S. Mint celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, featuring platinum coins with themes focusing on key American historical documents: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
2. When will the Charters of Freedom coins be released?
The first coin in the series will be released in 2026, followed by coins in 2027 and 2028, each honoring a different foundational document.
3. What is the design of the 2026 platinum coin?
The 2026 coin will feature a quill writing on a scroll, symbolizing the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The text “FROM SUBJECTS TO CITIZENS” will be prominently displayed, reflecting America’s transition from British rule to independence.
4. Who is responsible for selecting the final design for the coin?
The final design will be chosen by the U.S. Treasury Secretary after review and recommendations by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC). The committee evaluates the proposed designs and provides feedback.
5. What is the reverse design for the platinum coins?
The reverse design, common to all three coins, features an American eagle holding an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing strength, freedom, and peace. This design was first introduced in 2018.