Celebrating the Past, Present and Future
Monthly Mint Trivia: Which famous American symbol, featured on U.S coins, became a lasting symbol of freedom after cracking shortly after its first ring?
Main Feature: Exploring America’s History Through Coins
On July 4, the United States marks its 250th anniversary—a milestone that invites us to reflect on the people, events, and ideals that have shaped our nation’s story. As we celebrate America’s past and present, we also look ahead to the future we hope to build for the next generation.
To support classroom learning and discussion, we’re sharing engaging resources and activities that connect American history to coins. Each coin tells a story about a moment in time, the people who influenced it, and the values our nation has carried forward through the years.
Explore the activities below to help students discover how coins can serve as windows into history, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire curiosity about America’s journey over the last 250 years—and beyond.
- Counting on Change (Grades 3-5): Students collect, sort, and identify coins while exploring important events and milestones in American history.
- Comparing Colonies (Grades 3-5): Students explore life in the original thirteen colonies by comparing living conditions, trade, and the ways people exchanged and used money in early America.
- Exploring the Semiquincentennial Coin Program (Grades 3-12): Discover how coins commemorate important people, events, and stories that shaped America.
Additional resources from around the web:
- Establishing Independence: (Grades 4-8): Students learn about the significance of the Declaration of Independence and Independence Day while exploring the founding ideals that established the United States as an independent nation.
- Independence Hall: (Grades 5-12): Students explore Independence Hall and the principles of the Declaration of Independence through a lesson plan from the National Park Service.
- The Liberty Bell: Students analyze the historical and cultural influences that shaped the Liberty Bell as a lasting symbol of freedom, independence, and the American spirit.
- The Liberty Bell as a Modern Symbol (Grades K-2): Students explore the meaning of symbols through examples, examine how the Liberty Bell represents different ideas for different people, and build vocabulary related to its history and significance.
Feature 1: Coin Term Trivia
Feature 2: 2026 United States Mint Coin Activity Book
Feature 3: Coins For You Booklet
Coin of the Month: 2026 Declaration of Independence Quarter
The obverse design features Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. The inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1776 ~ 2026.”
The reverse design depicts the Liberty Bell ringing. While it is unclear whether it rang out in July 1776, the Liberty Bell often rang to draw people near and share an announcement, or a declaration. The Bell’s crack is visible; the fragility of the Bell echoing the fragility of a young nation at its founding. The inscriptions are “THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Trivia Answer: The Liberty Bell