Sponsors (62)
The bill creates a new $2.50 Semiquincentennial commemorative coin that can generate collector interest and potential revenue and may streamline some cash transactions, but it also risks administrative and production costs (and equipment upgrade burdens) that could fall on taxpayers and businesses if sales or adoption don't cover expenses.
Taxpayers and the Treasury could gain net revenue (seigniorage) if sales of the $2.50 commemorative coin and collector demand exceed production and distribution costs.
Collectors, history enthusiasts, and the general public can buy a new $2.50 Semiquincentennial commemorative coin as a lasting keepsake that promotes public engagement with national history.
Consumers and small businesses could experience faster cash transactions and fewer individual coins per transaction if a $2.50 coin is adopted into circulation.
All taxpayers could bear net costs if minting, marketing, and administrative expenses exceed sales revenue — the program risks becoming a net expense rather than a revenue source.
The Mint and Treasury — and by extension taxpayers and small businesses — may face tangible administrative, testing, and distribution planning costs (and potential rushed work) to meet timing preferences for the 2026 anniversary.
Small businesses, vending operators, transit agencies, banks, and coin-handling equipment owners could incur upgrade or retrofit costs if the $2.50 coin is widely introduced.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes limited minting of commemorative $2.50 coins for the U.S. Semiquincentennial and requires a Mint study on a circulating $2.50 coin.
Official title: To amend title 31, United States Code, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins, and for other purposes.
Introduced September 30, 2025 by Robert Aderholt · Last progress February 12, 2026
Authorizes the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative $2.50 coins (gold, silver, and a base-metal type) honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, sets design requirements that echo the 1926 Sesquicentennial $2.50 coin, and recommends issuing them by July 4, 2026. Requires the Mint to study and report on the feasibility of minting and circulating a $2.50 coin for wide public use, including cost, production, stakeholder consultation, and coordination with the Federal Reserve, with a report due to Congress by September 15, 2026.