$2.50 for America’s 250th Act
Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican · AL-4
Latest Action · Feb 12, 2026
Received in the Senate.
Bill Progress
$2.50 Coin Will Honor America’s 250th
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.
The big picture: 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.
Zoom in: 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.
Between the lines: 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 This Bill Does
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
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's Affected
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.
Cosponsors (61)
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
Recent Actions
Received in the Senate.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST - Mr. Grothman asked unanimous consent that the Clerk be directed to make the changes in the engrossment of H.R. 5616 that have been placed at the desk. Agreed to without objection.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2048)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2048)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5616.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2048-2050)
Committees (1)
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Source: Congress.gov
