The United States Mint has officially released rolls and bags of the 2026 Enduring Liberty half dollar, one of the major coin issues celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The special half dollar features the dual date 1776 ~ 2026 and a one-year-only design created for the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
The release is especially notable because it is the first half dollar since 1964 to be issued without President John F. Kennedy’s portrait on the obverse.
Collectors can now purchase U.S. Mint-branded versions of the coins in rolls and bags, following earlier subscription availability.
Rolls And Bags Now Available For Collectors
The 2026 Enduring Liberty half dollars are being offered in two main product options.
Collectors can buy a $60 two-roll set that includes one 20-coin roll from the Philadelphia Mint and one 20-coin roll from the Denver Mint. The Mint is also offering a $180 bag containing 200 coins, with 100 coins from Philadelphia and 100 coins from Denver.
The official release marks the first time standard orders are available for the product. The Mint’s subscription program previously allowed collectors to sign up in advance and automatically receive eligible products when released.
Some of the coins may also appear in circulation because the Mint began shipping 2026 Semiquincentennial coins to Federal Reserve Banks on January 5.
Enduring Liberty Design Replaces Kennedy Portrait
For 2026, the traditional Kennedy half dollar design has been replaced by a new Liberty-themed design.
The obverse, or heads side, shows a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Her gaze is directed outward, symbolizing a forward-looking vision for the country. The design was created by Donna Weaver and sculpted by John McGraw.
Inscriptions on the obverse include “United States Of America,” “In God We Trust” and the dual date “1776 ~ 2026.” The coin also carries either a “P” mint mark for Philadelphia or a “D” mint mark for Denver.
This design gives the half dollar a historic one-year appearance tied directly to the nation’s anniversary.
Reverse Shows Liberty Passing The Torch
The reverse, or tails side, continues the theme of liberty and national renewal.
It depicts Liberty passing her torch to a new generation, with the flame trailing behind to suggest motion, purpose and continuity. The design was created by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Darla Jackson.
Reverse inscriptions include “E Pluribus Unum,” “Half Dollar” and “Knowledge Is The Only Guardian Of True Liberty.”
Together, the obverse and reverse designs connect America’s founding era with its future, making the coin a symbolic release for the 250th anniversary.
Designs Selected From 17 Candidates
The Enduring Liberty half dollar designs were chosen from a group of 17 candidates reviewed in late 2024.
The final selection reflects the broader Semiquincentennial theme of honoring the nation’s founding while looking ahead to future generations. By featuring the Statue of Liberty and the passing of the torch, the coin emphasizes freedom, knowledge and civic responsibility.
For collectors, the design change is significant because Kennedy has appeared on the half dollar for decades. A one-year-only replacement makes the 2026 coin stand out within the modern half dollar series.
Coin Specifications Remain The Same
Although the design has changed for 2026, the coin’s technical specifications remain unchanged from previous half dollar issues.
The coin has a composition of 8.33% nickel with the balance made of copper. It weighs 11.340 grams and has a diameter of 1.205 inches, or 30.61 millimetres. The edge is reeded.
The coins are produced at the Philadelphia and Denver facilities, with “P” and “D” mint marks identifying their source. No privy mark is included on the issue.
These specifications keep the coin consistent with modern circulating half dollars while giving it a unique commemorative appearance.
Kennedy Half Dollar Design Returns In 2027
The Enduring Liberty design is only planned for 2026.
Beginning in 2027, the half dollar is expected to feature a new portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse. The reverse will shift to rotating designs honoring Paralympic sports, starting with wheelchair basketball.
Designs for the 2027 issue have already been recommended, showing that the half dollar series will continue to evolve after the Semiquincentennial release.
For collectors, this makes 2026 an important transition year between the long-running Kennedy design and the upcoming updated format.
Conclusion
The U.S. Mint’s release of 2026 Semiquincentennial half dollar rolls and bags gives collectors a special opportunity to own a one-year-only Enduring Liberty design.
With the dual date 1776 ~ 2026, a Statue of Liberty obverse and a reverse showing Liberty passing the torch, the coin marks America’s 250th anniversary in a symbolic and collectible way.
Offered in two-roll sets and 200-coin bags, the release is expected to attract strong interest from modern coin collectors, Kennedy half dollar enthusiasts and anyone following the Mint’s Semiquincentennial coin program.