The half dollar will see changes in 2026, featuring unique one-year-only designs along with other circulating coins as part of the celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Proposed designs for the coin have now been reviewed and recommended.
In total, seven obverse and ten reverse candidates were scrutinized, with reviews conducted by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on Oct. 16 and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on Oct. 17.
"The half dollar is the final of the ‘three acts’ comprising the 2026 dime, quarters, and half dollar. The half dollar explores what is required of us to keep our Republic for the next 250 years and emphasizes the critical role of the citizen in a participatory and knowledge-based democracy," according to the Mint’s narrative for the design portfolio.
"In drafting their designs, artists were encouraged to consider a bold, modern style to underscore the theme of ‘looking to the future’ and to potentially contrast and complement the more traditional imagery anticipated on the 2026 dime."
Ultimately, both the CCAC and CFA recommended the same pairing of designs, displayed in the topmost images.
The selected obverse, O-05, presents a close-up of the Statue of Liberty with a steadfast gaze, looking outward as if toward the future. The recommended reverse, R-05A, features Liberty passing her torch, its flame trailing with purposeful momentum, to a new generation. For the chosen obverse design, CFA members suggested further study of the optimal placement for the text "1776–2026" to avoid alignment with the Statue of Liberty’s eyes, along with adjustments to the points of the crown as necessary.
U.S. Mint images and descriptions of all proposed 2026 Semiquincentennial half dollar designs are provided below.
Obverse Candidate Designs for the Semiquincentennial Half Dollar
HALF-O-01, HALF-O-01A, and HALF-O-01B depict Liberty proudly carrying an American flag while leading a young girl representing future generations forward. Here, Liberty takes the form of a nurturing figure as she guides the youth in her care, leading by example. In HALF-O-01, the young girl holds her hand over her brow to shade her eyes as she looks to her bright future. In HALF-O-01A and HALF-O-01B she proudly carries Liberty’s torch; in the latter design the figures are framed by a ring of 50 stars.
HALF-O-02 features a strong, confident Liberty bearing the flame that will light the way toward our nation’s future.
HALF-O-03 features a stylized Liberty meeting the viewer’s gaze, readying to pass her torch on to the next generation.
HALF-O-04 depicts Liberty patiently guiding a young child in lighting her torch, representing the care and effort necessary to ensure liberty for future generations.
HALF-O-05 shows a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty, her steadfast gaze looking outward as if toward the future.
Reverse Candidate Designs for the Semiquincentennial Half Dollar
HALF-R-01 features the Capitol Building dome as an iconic symbol of the power and rights of citizens, the elected officials who represent them, and the United States government. The design includes the additional inscription, "TOWARD A MORE PERFECT UNION" as a reminder of the continued effort required to fulfill the aspirations in our founding documents. Here, three stars represent the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
HALF-R-02 features hands working together to plant an oak tree sapling in fertile ground, representing the participatory nature of democracy and symbolizing the collective work required to maintain our republic.
HALF-R-03, HALF-R-03A, and HALF-R-03B feature Liberty passing her torch to a new generation with the aphorism "KNOWLEDGE IS THE ONLY GUARDIAN OF TRUE LIBERTY" arced around the border. HALF-R-03 and HALF-R-03A feature the backdrop of the American flag.
HALF-R-04 features Liberty’s torch, with emanating rays of light representing hope and promise for future generations. James Madison’s dictum "KNOWLEDGE IS THE ONLY GUARDIAN OF TRUE LIBERTY" arcs around the flame as if forming a protective barrier.
HALF-R-05 and HALF-R-05A feature Liberty passing her torch, its flame trailing with the momentum of purpose, to a new generation.
HALF-R-06 depicts a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty’s torch, an enduring symbol of our nation.
HALF-R-07 features two hands that hold and protect the flame of liberty, representing both the individual care needed to preserve liberty as well as the responsibility to maintain it for future generations.
