This bill matters because it continues a historical tradition of issuing special coins to mark significant national anniversaries, specifically for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These collector coins provide a tangible way for people to connect with American history and celebrate a major milestone.
Furthermore, the bill's requirement for a study into a $2.50 coin for general circulation could have long-term implications for the U.S. monetary system. If such a coin were introduced, it could potentially change how consumers pay for goods and services, how businesses handle change, and impact the overall efficiency of cash transactions. This could lead to a significant, albeit gradual, shift in how we use physical money.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 100,000 gold, 300,000 silver, and 750,000 half-dollar specification $2.50 numismatic (collector) coins.
This directly creates a new set of commemorative coins for a major national anniversary.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that the design for these collector coins be based on the 1926 $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin, featuring allegorical liberty and Independence Hall, along with specific anniversary inscriptions.
This ensures the coins have a historical connection and clear commemoration of the 250th anniversary.
PROVISION 03
Directs the U.S. Mint to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and potential benefits of minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the United States.
This provision explores the potential for a new denomination in everyday commerce, which could change how people use cash.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a detailed report to Congress by September 15, 2026, outlining the findings of the study on a widely circulated $2.50 coin.
This report will inform Congress on the practicality and impact of introducing a new circulating coin, potentially leading to future legislation.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST - Mr. Grothman asked unanimous consent that the Clerk be directed to make the changes in the engrossment of H.R. 5616 that have been placed at the desk. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
FEB 12
Received in the Senate.
SENATE · INTROREFERRAL
FEB 9
Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
HOUSE · FLOOR
FEB 9
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2048-2050)
This bill matters because it continues a historical tradition of issuing special coins to mark significant national anniversaries, specifically for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These collector coins provide a tangible way for people to connect with American history and celebrate a major milestone.
Furthermore, the bill's requirement for a study into a $2.50 coin for general circulation could have long-term implications for the U.S. monetary system. If such a coin were introduced, it could potentially change how consumers pay for goods and services, how businesses handle change, and impact the overall efficiency of cash transactions. This could lead to a significant, albeit gradual, shift in how we use physical money.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 100,000 gold, 300,000 silver, and 750,000 half-dollar specification $2.50 numismatic (collector) coins.
This directly creates a new set of commemorative coins for a major national anniversary.
med
Mandates that the design for these collector coins be based on the 1926 $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin, featuring allegorical liberty and Independence Hall, along with specific anniversary inscriptions.
This ensures the coins have a historical connection and clear commemoration of the 250th anniversary.
high
Directs the U.S. Mint to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and potential benefits of minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the United States.
This provision explores the potential for a new denomination in everyday commerce, which could change how people use cash.
med
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a detailed report to Congress by September 15, 2026, outlining the findings of the study on a widely circulated $2.50 coin.
This report will inform Congress on the practicality and impact of introducing a new circulating coin, potentially leading to future legislation.
not later than July 4, 2026, or as soon as technically and economically feasible
Numismatic coins should be minted and issued
September 15, 2026
Report on the study of a widely circulated $2.50 coin to be submitted to Congress
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Numismatic coins
Coins made primarily for collection or investment, rather than for general circulation as currency.
Semiquincentennial
A 250th anniversary. In this bill, it refers to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Obverse
The front side of a coin, often featuring a main design or portrait.
Reverse
The back side of a coin, usually complementing the obverse design.
Seigniorage
The profit made by a government by issuing currency, calculated as the difference between the face value of the currency and its cost to produce.
Title 31, United States Code
A section of federal law that deals with money and finance, including the coinage of money.
ACTION TIMELINE
11 EVENTS
FEB 12
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST - Mr. Grothman asked unanimous consent that the Clerk be directed to make the changes in the engrossment of H.R. 5616 that have been placed at the desk. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
FEB 12
Received in the Senate.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 9
Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
FLOOR
FEB 9
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2048-2050)