In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, also known as the semquincentennial year. To mark this important milestone, two of the country’s most popular coins—the Roosevelt dime and the Kennedy half dollar—will be redesigned. These redesigns are temporary and will only be used in 2026. After that, the coins will return to their previous designs in 2027.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Overview of the 2026 U.S. coin redesigns for the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar. |
| History of the Roosevelt Dime and Kennedy Half Dollar | A brief history of the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar designs. |
| Redesign of the 2026 Roosevelt Dime | Overview of the proposed obverse and reverse designs for the 2026 Roosevelt dime. |
| Redesign of the 2026 Kennedy Half Dollar | Overview of the proposed obverse and reverse designs for the 2026 Kennedy half dollar. |
| Significance of the Designs | The meaning behind the new designs for the coins. |
| What Happens After 2026? | What will happen to the coins after the 250th anniversary celebration. |
| Conclusion | A summary of the redesigned coins and their cultural significance. |
| FAQ | Answers to frequently asked questions about the redesigns. |
The History of the Roosevelt Dime and Kennedy Half Dollar
Since 1946, the Roosevelt dime has featured a portrait of President Franklin Roosevelt on the front (or obverse) side of the coin. On the back (or reverse) side, there is a torch symbol, which represents liberty.
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced shortly after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. The front of the coin shows a portrait of President Kennedy, and the back features the Great Seal of the United States, a symbol of national unity and strength.
Redesign of the 2026 Roosevelt Dime
Proposed Designs for the 2026 Dime
In July 2024, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed 12 different design proposals for the 2026 Roosevelt dime. There were six designs for the front and six for the back.
The design that received the most support from the committee showed a modern portrait of Liberty. Liberty’s hair is tied up in a bun, and she is wearing a crown with the words “250 YEARS” written on it. The design also includes the word LIBERTY, the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST, and the years 1776-2026, marking the anniversary of the United States.
On the back of the coin, the committee favored a design featuring a torch at the center, surrounded by 13 stars. These 13 stars represent the original 13 colonies of the United States. Around the edge of the coin, the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME are written, separated by broken chains. These symbols represent freedom and unity.
Redesign of the 2026 Kennedy Half Dollar
Proposed Designs for the 2026 Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar has also been proposed for a redesign in 2026. The committee considered 12 front (obverse) designs and 10 back (reverse) designs.
One of the designs shows Liberty as a woman of color carrying the American flag and leading a young girl forward. The image portrays Liberty as a nurturing figure who represents freedom and hope for future generations.
Two back designs received equal support. Both of these designs are inspired by a quote from James Madison: “Knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” The first design shows a torch with the quote surrounding it, acting like a shield of protection. This torch is placed over a segment of the American flag. The second design also features a torch with rays of light shining from it. Around the torch, the phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM (meaning “Out of many, one”) is written.
Both back designs also include the words HALF DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM, as well as stars to emphasize the importance of liberty and knowledge.
The Significance of the Designs
The new designs for the 2026 Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar are meant to represent the values of the United States, including liberty, knowledge, and unity. The symbols of Liberty, the torch, and the 13 stars all reflect the country’s rich history, while also looking ahead to the future.
Although these redesigned coins will be used only in 2026, they will serve as a reminder of the country’s heritage and the progress it has made over the last 250 years.
What Happens After 2026?
After the 250th anniversary celebrations, the coins will return to their original designs in 2027. This means that, in the long term, the designs on the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar will stay the same as they have for many decades.
Conclusion
The redesigned Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar for 2026 are not just coins; they are symbols of the history and values of the United States. By including important national symbols and celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary, these designs remind Americans of their past and the ideals they continue to uphold. The designs will only be used for one year, making them a special part of the country’s celebration of its semiquincentennial.
FAQs
1. Why are the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar being redesigned in 2026?
The coins are being redesigned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as the semquincentennial year.
2. Will the redesigned coins stay the same after 2026?
No, the redesigned coins will only be used in 2026. After that, they will return to their original designs in 2027.
3. What symbols will be on the 2026 Roosevelt dime?
The 2026 Roosevelt dime will feature a modern portrait of Liberty with the words “250 YEARS” on the front, and a torch with 13 stars on the back.
4. How is Liberty represented on the 2026 Kennedy half dollar?
On the 2026 Kennedy half dollar, Liberty is depicted as a woman of color carrying the American flag and leading a young girl forward.
5. What is the significance of the torch on the Kennedy half dollar?
The torch represents liberty and freedom, with the quote “Knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty” highlighting the importance of knowledge in protecting freedom.