H.R. 5616 — $2.50 for America’s 250th Act

This section states congressional findings recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as a turning point warranting national commemoration, including through issuance of a $2.50 coin to continue the numismatic tradition established by the 68th Congress for the 150th anniversary.

This section authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins (i.e., collector coins sold at a premium, not for circulation) commemorating the semiquincentennial of the United States, as follows: (1) up to 100,000 gold coins weighing 4.1795 grams with a 0.425-inch diameter and containing at least 90% gold; (2) up to 300,000 silver coins weighing 26.73 grams with a 1.5-inch diameter and containing at least 90% silver; and (3) up to 750,000 coins weighing 11.34 grams with a 1.205-inch diameter minted to half-dollar specifications. For two years from issuance, the coins must bear an obverse image of allegorical liberty wielding the Declaration of Independence and a reverse image of Independence Hall from the 1926 gold $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin, along with inscriptions “Semiquincentennial of the United States” and “1776–2026”. It is the sense of Congress that the coins be minted and issued no later than July 4, 2026, or as soon as technically and economically feasible.

This section directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Director of the United States Mint, to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility, practicality, and potential public benefits of minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the United States. The Secretary must submit a report on the study to the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs by September 15, 2026, including (1) historical use of the $2.50 denomination; (2) projected production costs; (3) cost-effectiveness compared to other coins; (4) potential benefits to commerce, coin handling, and transaction efficiency; (5) proposed physical characteristics such as composition, weight, diameter, and design; (6) stakeholder consultations with banks, cash handlers, consumers, and vending/transit industries; (7) estimated seigniorage; and (8) a plan for minting and phased issuance involving the Federal Reserve and financial institutions.