A Numismatic Celebration at Monticello

A special event to celebrate the Declaration of Independence quarter will take place on June 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The program includes remarks from Director of the U.S. Mint Paul Hollis and a notable appearance by Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, bringing the moment to life at the site where some of America’s early history took shape.

The U.S. Mint will host a table in the courtyard of the visitor center, where children under age 18 can pick up a complimentary commemorative coin and semiquincentennial coin holder while supplies last.

Admission to the program is included with the Monticello entrance fee. For more information, visit Monticello’s website.

About the Coin

The Declaration of Independence quarter is part of the 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program, commemorating 250 years of American independence. One of five quarter designs to be released this year, it honors Jefferson as the declaration’s principal author and the nation’s third president.

The obverse features a portrait of Jefferson from the torso up, facing left, bearing a small smile of achievement. The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell ringing. While it is unclear whether it rang out in July 1776, the Liberty Bell often rang to draw people near and share an announcement (or a declaration). The bell’s crack is visible, echoing the fragility of a young nation at its founding. 

The Mayflower Compact quarter was released in February, and the Revolutionary War quarter was launched in March. For more information about the semiquincentennial issues, visit the U.S. Mint’s website.