One Step Closer to Return of $2.50 Coin

The hope that that the nation may again see a circulating $2.50 quarter eagle has been dampened, but optimism remains that the denomination will return as a numismatic product first.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amended version of House Resolution 5616 called the “$2.50 for America’s 250^th Act” on February 9. The measure, proposed by Alabama Republican Representative Robert Aderholt on September 30, 2025, initially called for the creation of both circulating and numismatic coins. The amended version seeks numismatic products while calling on the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Director of the Mint, to conduct “a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility, practicality, and potential public benefits of minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the United States.”

Focus of the study would include an analysis of historical use, production costs, physical characteristics and potential benefits to commerce. The report must be submitted to the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs by September 15.

“This coin is about more than a piece of metal, it’s about celebration, pride, and patriotism,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I still remember America’s 200th birthday in 1976 when I was 10 years old, and the incredible excitement and national unity that came with it. That Bicentennial celebration was something special, and I hope this coin helps spur that same kind of celebration and patriotism across our country as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. Americans from all walks of life should be able to carry a small reminder of our nation’s greatness with them every day, celebrating our country jingling right there in their pockets.”

Under the original proposal, Aderholt called for the coin to feature the historic design originally issued for America’s 150th anniversary in 1926, updated to reflect the new milestone.

The numismatic $2.50 would be minted in gold, silver and clad composition “to the specification of half dollar coins.” Mintage limits would be limited to no more than 100,000 gold coins, 300,000 silver coins and 750,000 clad coins. A provision within the measure calls for the coins to be minted and distributed not later than July 4, 2026 to coincide with the nation’s 250^th anniversary celebration.

Aderholt is a member of the America 250 committee, guiding the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration.