In preparation for the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026, the U.S. Mint is considering producing non-round coins and medals shaped like the Liberty Bell. Early designs have been drafted for potential one-ounce and half-ounce 24-karat gold coins as well as a silver medal. The coins would mark the first non-round coins in recent U.S. history.
The U.S. Mint is gathering feedback to refine its plans and designs for a potential 2026 release, pending a decision to proceed with the program and approval from the Secretary of the Treasury.
The proposed pieces would measure approximately one inch tall and seven-eighths of an inch wide, with weight variations managed by adjusting their thickness – all aspects optimized through U.S. Mint research and development to enhance manufacturability.
Candidate designs for the Liberty Bell-shaped coins and medal were presented to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on Nov. 19 and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on Nov. 21.
Design Recommendations for the Non-Round 2026 Liberty Bell Coins and Medal
The potential program and its designs received mixed reactions from the CCAC. Arthur Bernstein, representing the general public, abstained from all motions to recommend designs, while Jeanne Stevens-Sollman, an expert in sculpture and medallic arts, abstained from one motion and opposed the others. On the other hand, some members expressed strong support, with Sam Gelberd, a numismatics specialist, offering particularly enthusiastic praise.
Both committees generally favored incused lettering, numerical denominations over spelled-out versions, and the inclusion of firework elements. Ultimately, the CCAC submitted its recommendations, which were later endorsed by the CFA.
Design LB-O-03 was chosen for the obverses of both gold coins, with LB-R-01A selected for the reverse of the 1-ounce gold coin and LB-R-03-Half A for the reverse of the 1/2-ounce gold coin. For the silver medal, design LB-O-01-Medal was chosen for the obverse, and LB-R-01-Medal for the reverse. These designs are highlighted in the article’s leading images.
The CCAC also recommended exploring size differentials for the coins rather than adjusting their thickness. Meanwhile, the CFA suggested refining the depictions of the bell and wood, ensuring consistent font usage, and confirming the accurate rendering of "Liberty" as written by Thomas Jefferson.
Below are U.S. Mint images of all candidate designs for the Liberty Bell coins and medals.
Obverse Candidate Designs for Non-Round 2026 Liberty Bell Coins and Medal
The obverse designs showcase a depiction of the Liberty Bell, accompanied by the inscription "LIBERTY." On the gold versions, additional inscriptions include "1776~2026" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Reverse Candidate Designs for Non-Round 2026 Liberty Bell Coins and Medal
The reverse designs feature Independence Hall, with the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" on all versions. The medal version includes the additional inscription "1776~2026," while the coin versions also bear the inscriptions "E PLURIBUS UNUM," ".9999 FINE GOLD," and details of the denomination and weight.
OK, I don’t know what to think at this point. Kind of a shock. The TPGs will need to make some adjustments to accommodate these on their end. I was hoping for a proof gold Franklin Half someday. Yet, John Sinnock’s Liberty Bell has always been a favorite of mine in terms of a design. Full Bell Lines or Bust. I think they will be very expensive in gold.
um, ok, i guess…
but if they really want to be more like an authentic liberty bell, they should add a crack to the die so these coins all get nice die crack “errors”