U.S. Mint Begins Releasing 2026 Constitution Quarters Into Circulation
A new U.S. quarter honoring the Constitution is about to begin showing up in circulation, giving collectors another 2026 Semiquincentennial coin to watch for in change.
The United States Mint said it will begin shipping the 2026 U.S. Constitution Quarter to Federal Reserve Banks on August 10 for distribution to commercial banks and other financial institutions. The quarter is part of the Mint’s Semiquincentennial Coin Program celebrating 250 years of American Liberty.
The obverse features James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and a central figure in the drafting and promotion of the Constitution. The inscriptions on the obverse are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026.”
On the reverse, the coin depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. The design also includes the words “WE THE PEOPLE,” tying the image of Independence Hall to the Constitution’s principle that government derives its authority from the people. Additional reverse inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “U.S. CONSTITUTION” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
For collectors, the release means the new Constitution design will not be limited to Mint sets or other numismatic products. The quarters are being produced for general circulation and will begin moving through the banking system after shipments start August 10. That gives collectors the opportunity to search rolls, bank change and everyday transactions for examples as they enter circulation.
The Constitution Quarter was authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which created special 2026 circulating coin designs commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The U.S. Mint said the 2026 coins are intended to reflect the country’s founding principles and commemorate 250 years of American Liberty. Additional collectible products connected to the Semiquincentennial Coin Program are also being released separately by the Mint throughout 2026.