H.R. 5616: $2.50 for America’s 250th Act
Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican · AL-4
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 12, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
Why it matters
The U.S. is gearing up to celebrate 250 years with a new gold and silver coin — and potential plans for it to hit your pocket.
America turns 250 in 2026, and lawmakers want to celebrate big — by reviving a rare piece of U.S. coinage history. The $2.50 coin, last issued as a collector’s item a century ago, would be minted again as a nod to the country’s founding and the 1926 sesquicentennial.
The bill calls for new $2.50 coins in gold, silver, and regular (clad) versions, all with ties to the 1926 coin’s design. The Treasury also must study whether a $2.50 coin could work in everyday transactions — looking at the costs, benefits, and what it would take to actually use these coins for shopping or transit.
Commemorative coins are usually just for collectors, but Congress is openly considering dropping the $2.50 coin into cash registers across the country. That could shake up how Americans use cash, impact coin production, and boost both collector interest and public awareness of the nation’s milestone birthday.
What does H.R. 5616 do?
Commemorative $2.50 Coins
Treasury must mint and issue $2.50 coins in gold, silver, and standard metals to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Historical Coin Designs
New coins must feature designs from the 1926 sesquicentennial $2.50 gold coin — including Lady Liberty, the Declaration of Independence, and Independence Hall.
Limited Mintage
Production is capped at 100,000 gold coins, 300,000 silver coins, and 750,000 clad (regular) coins.
Public Circulation Study
Treasury must study if it’s practical and worthwhile to use a $2.50 coin in everyday transactions and report findings to Congress.
Stakeholder Consultation
The study will involve input from banks, consumer groups, businesses, and others who deal with coins daily.
Who benefits from H.R. 5616?
Coin Collectors
Gain access to a new and historically significant $2.50 coin, which could become a valuable collectible.
History Buffs & Educators
Get new resources and symbols to highlight the meaning of America’s founding and its historic anniversaries.
General Public
May get a new, tangible way to celebrate and connect with America's 250th birthday.
U.S. Mint & Treasury
New opportunities for sales and public outreach, plus potential for increased seigniorage if coins enter circulation.
Who is affected by H.R. 5616?
Casual Cash Users
Could see a new coin denomination in wallets if it’s released for public use.
Vending & Transit Industries
Might need to update equipment to accept any new $2.50 coins if they go into broad circulation.
Commercial Banks and Retailers
Would have to handle, sort, and stock a brand-new coin, creating changes for daily cash operations.
Treasury/Mint
Tasked with extra work: designing coins, producing them, and researching their use for regular spending.
H.R. 5616 Common Questions
How many $2.50 America 250 coins would be made
Under the $2.50 for America’s 250th Act, mintages are capped at 100,000 gold coins, 300,000 silver coins, and 750,000 standard coins (Section 3(a)(1)).
Can a new $2.50 coin be used in everyday transactions
Maybe later. HR5616 requires Treasury to study whether a $2.50 coin should be minted for wide circulation and report to Congress by September 15, 2026 (Section 4).
How much gold is in the new $2.50 commemorative coin
According to HR5616 Section 3(a)(1)(A), the gold $2.50 coin must weigh 4.1795 grams and be at least 90% gold.
What are the silver coin specs for the America 250 $2.50 coin
Under the $2.50 for America’s 250th Act, the silver version is limited to 300,000 coins, weighs 26.73 grams, measures 1.5 inches, and must be at least 90% silver (Section 3(a)(1)(B)).
Does the bill say when the $2.50 America 250 coin should be released
Yes. The bill says the coins should be minted and issued by July 4, 2026, or as soon as technically and economically feasible after that (Section 3(b)).
What design will be on the new $2.50 America 250 coin
Under the $2.50 for America’s 250th Act, the obverse must show Liberty holding the Declaration of Independence and the reverse must show Independence Hall, echoing the 1926 $2.50 coin (Section 3(a)(2)).
Which words have to appear on the America 250 $2.50 coin
According to HR5616 Section 3(a)(2), the coin must include the inscriptions “Semiquincentennial of the United States” and “1776–2026.”
What is the regular clad $2.50 coin size and weight under HR5616
Under the $2.50 for America’s 250th Act, the standard coin would weigh 11.34 grams, measure 1.205 inches, and follow the legal specs for half-dollar coins (Section 3(a)(1)(C)).
Which industries have to be consulted in the $2.50 coin circulation study
HR5616 requires consultation with commercial banks, cash-handling businesses, consumer groups, and the vending and transit industries as part of the circulation study (Section 4).
Does the $2.50 coin bill require a rollout plan with the Federal Reserve
Yes. Under the $2.50 for America’s 250th Act, the report must include an implementation plan covering Federal Reserve coordination, test production, and phased circulation (Section 4).
Based on H.R. 5616 bill text
HR5616 Legislative Journey
Sent to Senate
Feb 12, 2026
Received in the Senate.
+1 more action this day
House: Vote Held
Feb 9, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2048)
House: Committee Action
Sep 30, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
About the Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican, Alabama's 4th congressional district · 29 years in Congress
Committees: Appropriations
View full profile →
Cosponsors (61)
This bill has 61 cosponsors: 24 Democrats, 37 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 25 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, and 22 more.
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Democrat · NJ
Maria Salazar
Republican · FL
Dwight Evans
Democrat · PA
Daniel Meuser
Republican · PA
Russ Fulcher
Republican · ID
Brendan Boyle
Democrat · PA
Madeleine Dean
Democrat · PA
Barry Moore
Republican · AL
Brian Fitzpatrick
Republican · PA
Jim Costa
Democrat · CA
Bennie Thompson
Democrat · MS
John Rose
Republican · TN
Committee Sponsors
Financial Services Committee
5 of 54 committee members cosponsored
25 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 5616 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Financial Services
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Introduced
- Sep 30, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Feb 12, 2026
Constituent Resources
H.R. 5616 Bill Text
“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.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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