In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, also known as the semiquincentennial. To mark this occasion, the U.S. Mint is planning to release special gold coins called the “Best of the Mint.” Along with these gold coins, there will be silver medals designed to match the coin designs. Recently, two groups reviewed the designs for these medals, and they mostly agreed on which ones to choose. Let’s dive into the details about these exciting new collectibles!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) |
| Issuing Body | U.S. Mint |
| Gold Coins | 1. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar 2. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle 3. 1916 Winged Liberty Head Silver Dime 4. 1916 Standing Liberty Silver Quarter Dollar 5. 1916 Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar |
| Material of Coins | .9999 fine gold |
| Companion Silver Medals | Silver medals will reflect the designs of the gold coins. |
| CFA and CCAC Roles | CFA (Commission of Fine Arts) and CCAC (Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee) reviewed designs; mostly agreed with one exception. |
| Notable Design Influence | Diana of the Tower sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, featuring elements of Classicism. |
| Historical Significance | Designs pay tribute to America’s coinage history and artistic heritage. |
What Are the “Best of the Mint” Medals?
The “Best of the Mint” program is a special initiative by the U.S. Mint that highlights five classic coin designs. These designs were selected based on votes from collectors who participated in a survey. The survey included 21 different coins, and the five winners were chosen because they are popular and historically significant.
The Winning Designs
Here are the five classic coins that will be featured in the “Best of the Mint” series:
- 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
This coin is famous for its beautiful design and historical significance. - 1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
This gold coin is known for its intricate artwork and high relief. - 1916 Winged Liberty Head Silver Dime
This dime features the iconic image of Liberty with wings. - 1916 Standing Liberty Silver Quarter Dollar
This quarter depicts Liberty standing confidently. - 1916 Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar
This half dollar shows Liberty walking forward with hope and progress.
All these coins will be made from high-quality .9999 fine gold, ensuring their value and appeal to collectors.
The Silver Companion Medals
Alongside these gold coins, the U.S. Mint will also release silver medals. These medals will reflect the designs of the gold coins they accompany. The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed the designs and mostly agreed on which ones to use.
The Different Designs
One design that the CFA chose differs from the CCAC’s picks. This design will be paired with the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle. The silver medal will feature artistic elements that honor the original gold coin. It will include designs inspired by Saint-Gaudens’ sculpture called “Diana of the Tower.”
About Diana of the Tower
Diana of the Tower is an important sculpture created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It was originally placed on top of Madison Square Garden in New York City. The statue was unveiled on September 29, 1891, but it was later replaced by a smaller version due to its size.
- Key Facts About the Sculpture:
- Diana was designed to act as a weather vane.
- The statue was illuminated at night, making it a stunning sight in the city.
- It has been displayed in many major museums across the United States, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The silver medal design will capture the classic style and beauty of Diana, which represents virtue, as shown by the inscription “VIRTUS,” meaning “virtue” in Latin.
Conclusion
The “Best of the Mint” program is an exciting celebration of American history and artistry. The silver medals and gold coins being released for the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026 are not just collectibles; they also tell stories of America’s past. From the classic coin designs to the beautiful sculpture of Diana, these medals will be cherished by collectors and history enthusiasts alike. As we approach this milestone, the anticipation for these coins and medals continues to grow, making it a special time for both collectors and the country.
FAQs
1. What are the “Best of the Mint” silver medals?
The “Best of the Mint” silver medals are commemorative pieces that will accompany a series of gold coins released by the U.S. Mint to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
2. What gold coins are included in the “Best of the Mint” program?
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
1916 Winged Liberty Head Silver Dime
3. Why are these medals significant?
These medals honor significant designs in American coinage history and celebrate the artistic legacy of renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose work has had a lasting impact on U.S. coin design.
4. What is the material of the gold coins?
The gold coins will be made of .9999 fine gold, ensuring they are of high quality and value.
5. Who approved the designs for the medals?
The designs were reviewed and mostly agreed upon by two groups: the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC). However, they did have different preferences for one of the medal designs.