$2.50 for America’s 250th Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2952
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-20T15:24:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "$2.50 for America's 250th Act" aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by authorizing the U.S. Mint to produce special $2.50 coins. It builds on a historical tradition from the 150th anniversary in 1926, when similar coins were issued, to foster national pride, education, and public engagement with America's founding principles of liberty, democracy, and self-governance.
Key Provisions
- Findings: Congress recognizes the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence, the precedent of 1926 commemorative coins (a half dollar and $2.50 gold piece), and the value of these new coins as a tangible way for citizens to connect with national heritage and celebrate the 250th anniversary.
- Circulating $2.50 Coins (amends 31 U.S.C. § 5112(bb)):
- The Secretary of the Treasury must mint and issue these coins if they are technically feasible, economically viable, and not overly costly.
- Coins must have clear features to distinguish the $2.50 value and be made from an alloy chosen by the Secretary.
- For the first 5 years after issuance: Obverse (front) shows allegorical liberty holding the Declaration of Independence (from the 1926 coin); reverse (back) shows Independence Hall (from the 1926 coin); inscriptions include "Semiquincentennial of the United States" and "1776-2026".
- Every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary may update designs to celebrate U.S. founding events.
- Congress urges issuance by July 4, 2026, or as soon as feasible.
- Numismatic $2.50 Coins (amends 31 U.S.C. § 5112(cc)):
- The Secretary may mint these collectible coins in silver, clad (a layered metal), gold, or other alloys, with flexible quantities, varieties, and specifications.
- For the first 2 years after issuance: Same obverse, reverse, and inscriptions as the circulating coins.
- Every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary may update designs to celebrate U.S. founding.
- Congress urges issuance by July 4, 2026, or as soon as feasible.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds two new subsections (bb and cc) to 31 U.S.C. § 5112, which governs legal tender coins, introducing a permanent $2.50 denomination not currently in circulation (existing U.S. coins are 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, and dollar denominations).
- Establishes mandatory circulating coins (if feasible) alongside optional numismatic versions, with phased design requirements tied to the anniversary.
- Allows periodic redesigns, providing flexibility beyond one-time commemoratives, which differs from most past anniversary coin programs that were limited-duration.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Department of the Treasury will face new production, design, and distribution responsibilities, potentially increasing operational costs but offset by sales revenue from numismatic coins. Feasibility assessments could delay implementation if technical or economic hurdles arise.
- Citizens: Provides an accessible, affordable way (via circulating coins) and premium collectible options (numismatic) for Americans to own a piece of history, promoting education and unity around the 2026 anniversary. It could encourage public participation in semiquincentennial events.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the coins could subtly enhance U.S. cultural diplomacy by showcasing historical symbols to global collectors and visitors.
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Mint and Secretary of the Treasury: Responsible for minting, designing, and issuing the coins.
- Congress: Authorizes the program and expresses preferences on timing; bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Sens. Lummis, Capito, Cramer, Shaheen, Padilla, Murkowski) indicate broad support.
- American Public: Primary beneficiaries, including everyday citizens seeking circulating coins and collectors/numismatists interested in numismatic versions.
- Numismatic Community and Retailers: Benefit from new collectible products, potentially boosting the coin market.
- Semiquincentennial Planners: Complements existing Mint activities for the 250th anniversary celebrations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's explicit authority under the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) to coin money and regulate its value; ensures compliance with anti-counterfeiting standards by requiring distinguishable features. No funding appropriation is specified, so implementation depends on existing Mint resources or future budgets.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal powers over currency, avoiding state-level conflicts; promotes free expression of national history without restricting speech or rights.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction signals non-partisan appeal, emphasizing unity and education amid the 2026 anniversary. Could face debate on costs or necessity, but as a low-stakes cultural initiative, it risks minimal controversy; success might inspire future commemorative programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
Cosponsors (7)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 2025-09-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- $2.50 for America’s 250th Act — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (7 pages)