Timeless Beauty

As part of the countdown to America’s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, the U.S. Mint has released the second issue in its Best of the Mint series—the 1916 Standing Liberty gold coin and silver medal.

The obverse of the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter features artist Hermon A. MacNeil’s rendering of Lady Liberty holding a shield with an air of protection. An olive branch of peace rests in her other hand as she steps through an opening in a wall bearing 13 stars. On the reverse, a graceful American eagle flies. 

Crafted in quarter ounce of .999-fine gold, the 2026 reissue is paired with a companion 1-ounce silver medal inspired by elements of the original 1916 Standing Liberty quarter. A modern interpretation of the design, the medal portrays a windswept Liberty turning to offer a distant eagle the olive branches in her hand. The reverse continues the narrative with a close-up of the olive branches in the eagle’s talons. According to the mint, “Together the designs embody strength, diplomacy, and America’s enduring ideals. Liberty then, now, and forever.”

Best of the Mint Series

Last year, the U.S. Mint surveyed Americans on their favorite historic coins. The five top-rated pieces were reviewed and recommended by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with final selections approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.

In addition to releasing newly designed circulating coins in 2026, the U.S. Mint is issuing five special Best of the Mint numismatic coin and medal sets as part of this journey through history. These sets include 24-karat .999-fine gold coins reissued as faithful representations of the historic designs with the original dates of issue to acknowledge each coin’s place in history. The coins also bear a special semiquincentennial Liberty Bell privy mark with the numeral “250.” Each coin has a 1-ounce silver companion medal, featuring new and modern designs.

The mint will reveal a new design in the 2026 Best of the Mint series each month. Last month’s motif was the 1916 Mercury dime.

To learn more, visit the U.S. Mint’s website.