I looked at it for like five minutes trying to think of some U.S. Mint abbreviation for "CAC"... 
The U.S. Mint has revealed a special coin to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday.
The new design, part of the Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program, was unveiled at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
This unique design will grace the 2026 dime, quarter-dollar coin, and half-dollar coin for one year only, marking a quarter-millennium of U.S. history. This follows the Mint's final penny production earlier this year on Nov. 12, after President Donald Trump ordered an end to its manufacture shortly after taking office.
Dime
For the semiquincentennial dime, dubbed the Liberty Dime, the design pays tribute to America's founding era, according to Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally.
Lady Liberty graces the front of the dime, standing firm against the "tyranny of the British monarchy," as McNally said. She dons a cap adorned with stars and stripes.
The reverse side features the U.S. motto, E Pluribus Unum, above an eagle - the first time our national bird has made an appearance on the dime since 1837.
Quarter
Quarter
There are five distinct designs for the quarter, each highlighting pivotal moments when the U.S. took strides toward a more perfect union.
They include: Mayflower Compact Quarter; Revolutionary War Quarter; Declaration of Independence Quarter; U.S. Constitution Quarter; and Gettysburg Address Quarter.
Each quarter depicts pivotal moments from America's past, featuring scenes such as President Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous address, pilgrims disembarking from the Mayflower, and the cracked Liberty Bell still ringing out.
Half Dollar
Half Dollar
The half dollar's design represents what's needed to preserve our republic for the next 250 years. It marks the first design update to the half dollar since the 1976 Bicentennial.
The front showcases a dignified image of the Statue of Liberty, while the reverse displays hands transferring her torch, symbolizing the transmission of American ideals across generations.
"The designs on these historic coins depict the story of America's journey toward a 'more perfect union,' and celebrate America's defining ideals of liberty," McNally said in the release. "We hope to offer each American the opportunity to hold our nation's storied 250 years of history in the palms of their hands as we Connect America through Coins."
"For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!" Trump expressed in a post on Truth Social. "I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies."
The U.S. is currently grappling with a penny shortage, prompting businesses to employ various strategies to address it. Sheetz, a convenience store chain, initiated a promotion offering free soda to customers who brought in pennies, while McDonald's announced that some locations will be rounding totals up or down to the nearest 5 cents.
While many experts concur that the penny is unnecessary, some argue that abruptly stopping its production without federal government guidance could put undue stress on businesses.
"We have been advocating abolition of the penny for 30 years. But this is not the way we wanted it to go," stated Jeff Lenard from the National Association of Convenience Stores.
The U.S. Mint has revealed a special coin to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday.
The new design, part of the Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program, was unveiled at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
This unique design will grace the 2026 dime, quarter-dollar coin, and half-dollar coin for one year only, marking a quarter-millennium of U.S. history. This follows the Mint's final penny production earlier this year on Nov. 12, after President Donald Trump ordered an end to its manufacture shortly after taking office.
What is the design for the 250th anniversary coin?
For the semiquincentennial dime, dubbed the Liberty Dime, the design pays tribute to America's founding era, according to Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally.
Lady Liberty graces the front of the dime, standing firm against the "tyranny of the British monarchy," as McNally said. She dons a cap adorned with stars and stripes.
The reverse side features the U.S. motto, E Pluribus Unum, above an eagle - the first time our national bird has made an appearance on the dime since 1837.
Quarter
There are five distinct designs for the quarter, each highlighting pivotal moments when the U.S. took strides toward a more perfect union.
They include: Mayflower Compact Quarter; Revolutionary War Quarter; Declaration of Independence Quarter; U.S. Constitution Quarter; and Gettysburg Address Quarter.
Each quarter depicts pivotal moments from America's past, featuring scenes such as President Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous address, pilgrims disembarking from the Mayflower, and the cracked Liberty Bell still ringing out.
Half Dollar
The half dollar's design represents what's needed to preserve our republic for the next 250 years. It marks the first design update to the half dollar since the 1976 Bicentennial.
The front showcases a dignified image of the Statue of Liberty, while the reverse displays hands transferring her torch, symbolizing the transmission of American ideals across generations.
When will the new coins be released?
Semiquincentennial circulating coins bearing the fresh designs and dual dates will enter circulation in 2026, according to the news release."The designs on these historic coins depict the story of America's journey toward a 'more perfect union,' and celebrate America's defining ideals of liberty," McNally said in the release. "We hope to offer each American the opportunity to hold our nation's storied 250 years of history in the palms of their hands as we Connect America through Coins."
Why did the penny get discontinued?
Trump has called for the discontinuation of the penny due to its production costs. The Treasury anticipates a savings of $56 million in material costs by ceasing the production of pennies."For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!" Trump expressed in a post on Truth Social. "I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies."
The U.S. is currently grappling with a penny shortage, prompting businesses to employ various strategies to address it. Sheetz, a convenience store chain, initiated a promotion offering free soda to customers who brought in pennies, while McDonald's announced that some locations will be rounding totals up or down to the nearest 5 cents.
While many experts concur that the penny is unnecessary, some argue that abruptly stopping its production without federal government guidance could put undue stress on businesses.
"We have been advocating abolition of the penny for 30 years. But this is not the way we wanted it to go," stated Jeff Lenard from the National Association of Convenience Stores.
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