When is the Treasury Department going to change the designs on our coins in circulation? What is the process that is involved?
This is a topic about which we get many inquiries. It is important to note, first, that the designs chosen for United States circulating coinage are, for the most part, mandated by the Congress. The coin redesign issue has generated significant Congressional interest in recent years. There have been many legislative proposals introduced in Congress providing for the redesign of U.S. circulating coinage. The most recent such legislation that was enacted by Congress and signed by the President provides for the production of 50 “Statehood” quarters that will be manufactured over the next 10 years. Each one will bear a reverse design honoring one of the 50 states. Also, beginning in 2000, the Treasury Department will begin circulating a new one-dollar coin. The law provides that no change shall be made in the design of any United States coin more often than once in 25 years. The alternative is specific authority from the Congress. The law also permits the Director of the United States Mint
