Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a Historic Commemorative Quarter

In honor of the 2026 Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the founding of the United States of America, the U.S. Mint is releasing an extraordinary series of redesigned circulating coins. Among the most anticipated pieces in this historic program is the 2026 Mayflower Compact Quarter, a tribute to one of the earliest foundations of American self-governance and a key philosophical precursor to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. This limited‑year design will be minted only in 2026, making it an essential addition for collectors, historians, and patriots alike.

A Quarter Honoring the Mayflower Compact and the Colony at Plymouth

The Mayflower Compact, signed on November 21, 1620, stands as one of the earliest expressions of democratic principles in the Western Hemisphere. When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, they found themselves outside the boundaries of the Virginia Company’s charter and therefore without an authorized government. To ensure order, cooperation, and survival, 41 men aboard the Mayflower agreed to form a civil body politic based on the consent of the governed. This landmark document emphasized mutual responsibility, rule of law, and the pursuit of the common good, principles that would eventually shape the American republic.   The Mayflower Compact was a significant influence on later documents, including the US Constitution. Both foundational documents are related by a deliberate, collective choice to build a governing framework that served the shared interests and well‑being of all members of the society.

The 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter recognizes the significance of this agreement and its lasting influence on American political thought. As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, this coin serves as a symbolic bridge connecting the earliest colonial settlements with the ideals that fueled the Revolution and guided the founders of the United States.

Obverse Design: Pilgrims Embracing the New World

The obverse (heads side) of the Mayflower Compact quarter features an evocative portrayal of two Pilgrims embracing as they behold the New World. Their journey was perilous, marked by navigational challenges that ultimately brought them to Cape Cod rather than their intended destination. Arriving without a governing charter, the colonists turned necessity into innovation by crafting the Mayflower Compact—anchoring their community in shared purpose and democratic commitment.

Inscriptions on the obverse include:

• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• “1776 ~ 2026”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”

These elements collectively honor the nation’s heritage while emphasizing the Semiquincentennial theme and the enduring spirit of American unity.

Reverse Design: The Mayflower on the Open Sea

The reverse (tails side) showcases a striking image of the Mayflower with full sails unfurled, navigating rough Atlantic waters toward the New World. This dynamic design captures both the courage and determination of the Pilgrims as they sought religious freedom and a new beginning. Their journey culminated in the founding of Plymouth Colony, an early foothold in what would eventually become the United States.

Reverse inscriptions include:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “LIBERTY”
• “MAYFLOWER COMPACT”
• “25¢”

The artistry of this design pays tribute not only to the historic vessel itself but also to the steadfast principles that shaped American identity.

A Once‑in‑a‑Generation Collectible

The U.S. Mint’s 2026 circulating coin redesigns are being produced for one year only, making them highly collectible. The Mayflower Compact quarter stands out as a key release in this limited series, symbolizing the nation’s earliest democratic roots and its 250‑year evolution toward liberty and self‑government.

Collectors will appreciate this quarter for its:

• Historical significance tied to early American governance
• Beautiful, detailed artwork on both obverse and reverse
• Limited availability, exclusive to the 2026 minting year
• Connection to the Semiquincentennial celebration, a milestone that will not recur for generations

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or seeking a meaningful patriotic keepsake, the 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter is a timeless reminder of the ideals that inspired the American journey—from the Pilgrims’ arrival to the nation’s Declaration of Independence and beyond.