The US Mint's release of a bell-shaped America 250 coin, priced north of $19,000, has sparked both fascination and controversy. This isn't your average pocket change; it's a collectible coin in the shape of the Liberty Bell, priced at nearly $20,000. Two cheaper versions, the half-ounce gold coin ($10,050) and the half-ounce silver medal ($750), were also released. The pieces are the first non-round coin released in recent U.S. history, according to the Mint, and were released in a limited quantity due to the high level of detail and precision required to produce each coin. Less than an hour after their release, all three coins were listed as "currently unavailable" on the Mint website.
The non-round coin is "uniquely-minted" for 2026, as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The semiquincentennial edition features the Liberty Bell on one side with the words "Liberty," and Independence Hall on the reverse side, bearing the words "In God we trust." It also features the years 1776 to 2026 to mark the nation's special birthday. The composition of the 1-ounce gold coin is 99.99% gold and is 0.167 inches thick with smooth edges, according to the Mint's posting.
However, the design of the coin has sparked controversy. Donald Scarinci, the longest-serving current member of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, says the Liberty Bell-shaped coin design was never presented to the CCAC, which advises the Secretary of the Treasury on coin and bullion production and design. This is a process that is required by law when making new coins, bullion or medals for commemoration, circulation or awards. Scarinci believes Congress should review how this coin came to exist, as it is a complete mystery to the members of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
The coins are part of three limited batches, with only 2,026 of each variation produced. The U.S. Mint website says the scarcity of the special coin is due in part to the process of making such a distinctive design. David Freund, professor of history at the University of Maryland, calls the coins a "speculative asset." With the 1-ounce gold coin's high price tag of $19,600, he says "no one who purchases it is going to use it for spending." Given that the value of the coin won't be tied to an actual dollar value, it could be hard to predict how much it will be worth in the future.
