Sponsors (62)
The bill creates commemorative and potentially circulating $2.50 coins that can promote national commemoration and may generate revenue, but it risks taxpayer-funded costs, equipment upgrade burdens for businesses, and mostly symbolic benefits for ordinary citizens.
Collectors and the general public can purchase a new $2.50 commemorative coin for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, creating a tangible tribute and encouraging public engagement with national history.
The Treasury could earn seigniorage or revenue if coins are sold above face value or if production costs are below $2.50, potentially offsetting program expenses.
If circulated, a $2.50 coin could speed cash transactions and reduce the number of coins per transaction, benefiting consumers and small businesses.
Taxpayers could end up covering administrative, marketing, testing, production, or distribution costs if coin sales and related revenues do not fully offset those expenses.
If production costs approach or exceed $2.50 per coin, the coin could be economically unviable or impose net costs on taxpayers.
Introduction of a new denomination could require upgrades to coin-handling equipment (vending machines, transit turnstiles, bank sorters), imposing costs on small businesses and financial institutions.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes limited-run $2.50 commemorative coins with specified designs and requires a Treasury/Mint study on a circulating $2.50 coin, with a report due Sept 15, 2026.
Authorizes the Treasury (through the U.S. Mint) to produce limited-run $2.50 commemorative coins in gold, silver, and a base-metal version that meets half‑dollar specifications, with specified maximum mintages, sizes, and metal minimums. For a two-year period after issuance, the coins must use a classic allegorical Liberty obverse and Independence Hall reverse and bear inscriptions marking the 1776–2026 semiquincentennial. Requires the Mint to study whether a $2.50 coin could be produced for wide circulation and to report findings to congressional banking/finance committees by September 15, 2026, covering costs, production plans, stakeholder consultations, seigniorage estimates, and coordination with the Federal Reserve and financial institutions.
Introduced September 30, 2025 by Robert Aderholt · Last progress February 12, 2026