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A new quarter honoring the Continental Army’s endurance during the Revolutionary War made its public debut March 23 at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
The U.S. Mint unveiled the coin as part of its 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program, a yearlong commemoration of 250 years of American independence. Guests at the ceremony received 1,500 of the quarters while supplies lasted.
The coin features George Washington on the front and imagery evoking the Continental Army’s hardships at Valley Forge on the reverse. It is one of five quarter designs planned for 2026 to highlight pivotal moments from the nation’s founding era.
Anne Neal Petri, the 24th regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, called 2026 a major anniversary for American liberty and independence. She said the Revolutionary War coin appropriately recognizes Washington’s willingness to sacrifice his life, property and honor for the country.
The ceremony took place at Washington’s historic estate, where the first president lived before and after the Revolutionary War.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach described Mount Vernon as both Washington’s home and a living representation of the ideals that shaped the nation. Launching the quarter there, he said, connected the story told by the coin with the place where that history developed.
“Coinage has always been one of the most enduring storytellers of the American experience,” Beach said.
Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn noted an irony in Washington’s continued appearance on American money. Washington resisted placing his image on coins and official documents because he believed the practice resembled the traditions of the old world and put too much attention on individuals rather than ideals, Bradburn said.
He added that the new quarter gives Americans, particularly young visitors, a tangible connection to the country’s founding story.
The event also included a display of the rare Washington President Gold Eagle Pattern Coin. Created by Jacob Perkins, the early American numismatic artifact is one of only about 20 known examples.
The Revolutionary War Quarter is the second coin released through the congressionally authorized semiquincentennial program. Other designs will commemorate the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
The broader initiative includes redesigned dimes, nickels, quarters and half dollars. Many carry the dual date “1776-2026,” while some feature a Liberty Bell “250” privy mark. The Mint also plans special gold and silver collector editions and an “Emerging Liberty” dime, the denomination’s first major redesign in decades.
Most of the coins are expected to return to their traditional designs after the 250th-anniversary observance ends in 2026.