WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will ship the 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter honoring the Declaration of Independence to the Federal Reserve beginning June 1 for circulation through commercial banks and financial institutions.
Residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties can expect to receive the new quarters in everyday transactions at local banks, stores and other businesses once shipments arrive. The coins mark 250 years since the nation’s founding and enter general circulation alongside other quarters.
The obverse, or heads side, depicts Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third U.S. president. Inscriptions read “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026.” The reverse, or tails side, shows the Liberty Bell ringing. Inscriptions include “THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The design notes the Bell’s visible crack, symbolizing the fragility of the young nation in 1776.
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 authorized the program. It was signed into law January 13, 2021. The quarters commemorate 250 years of American liberty through designs that reflect founding principles and national history. This particular issue focuses on the Declaration of Independence.
The Mint’s action follows standard procedures for introducing new circulating coin designs. Federal Reserve Banks distribute the quarters to depository institutions, which then make them available to the public through deposits, withdrawals and change. Southern Maryland banks and credit unions that receive Federal Reserve shipments will begin circulating the coins locally once inventory arrives.
The program issues multiple quarter designs over several years to mark the semiquincentennial. Each design highlights different aspects of American history and ideals. The Declaration of Independence quarter emphasizes the 1776 document that declared the colonies’ separation from Britain and outlined core principles of liberty and self-government.
Public circulation of the new quarters provides a low-cost way for people to encounter historical imagery in daily use. Collectors may seek uncirculated examples directly from the Mint or through authorized dealers, while the general public will encounter them in change from purchases or bank transactions.
The Liberty Bell design draws from its historical role in Philadelphia, where it was used to summon citizens for announcements. Although records do not confirm it rang specifically to proclaim the Declaration in July 1776, the Bell has long symbolized the call to liberty. The crack visible on the coin reflects the physical condition of the original artifact, preserved today at Independence National Historical Park.
Southern Maryland communities have direct ties to the broader revolutionary era through early colonial settlements and participation in the fight for independence. Local historical sites and educational programs often cover the period, and the new quarters may prompt renewed interest in those stories among residents and visitors. Banks in the region, such as those in Leonardtown, La Plata and Prince Frederick, will handle distribution as part of normal Federal Reserve operations.
The Mint continues to produce other denominations and collectible products under the semiquincentennial theme. Information on future releases and purchasing options is available on the agency’s website.
