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Newsletter | February 2026
General Information
Our first meeting of 2026 was a wonderful success! Ken Young called the meeting to order and extended a warm welcome to everyone present. We had 14 attendees, including 3 first-time visitors—a special welcome to our junior Young Numismatist (YN) who attended with his father. It was great to see new faces and young collectors joining us!
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The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Joe Meyers, followed by several fun coin-themed door prizes that everyone enjoyed.
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A hearty welcome to our newest member, Phil Martinez, who was voted in at the meeting. We're delighted to have you aboard, Phil!
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Membership & Recruitment Updates
Annual dues are now being collected: $15 for individual members. For those interested in a dedicated vendor table to sell coins at our meetings, the annual rental fee is $25.
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We’ve also launched an exciting new recruitment rewards program! For every paid and approved new member you sponsor and bring into the club, you’ll earn $5 off your 2027 membership dues (limit of 3 credits per member per year). Walk-ins do not qualify, and you have until our October 6, 2026 meeting to participate. Let’s keep growing our club—tell your collecting friends!
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Upcoming Events & Field Trips
Save these dates for some great numismatic outings:
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Program & News
Ashley Callahan gave a very interesting and well-received presentation on Currency & Coins in Contemporary Jewelry. Thank you, Ashley, for sharing such a creative and engaging topic!
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Joe Meyers mentioned a recent Wall Street Journal article discussing the potential discontinuation of the cent. He also noted that the oldest American Numismatic Society chapter, originally based in New York City, is relocating to Toledo, Ohio.
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Hospitality & Appreciation
Many thanks to Warren Liem for the delicious homemade finger sandwiches and to Ken Young for providing the drinks. Everything was fantastic!
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We’re always looking for volunteers to present a program or bring food/drinks to future meetings—please let us know if you’d like to help out!
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Financial Report
The January meeting generated good funds for the club:
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- 50/50 raffle: $11 raised
- Auction fees and items: $14 to the club
- Membership dues: 7 paid (6 at $15 + 1 at $20 for Ashley and Copper) = $110.
Total collected was $135. The club treasury now stands at $2,102.25.
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It was a terrific way to kick off the year—thank you to all who attended and contributed.
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We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting! Happy collecting!
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U.S. Mint Unveils 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Designs
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The United States Mint has officially revealed the designs for its upcoming Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program, marking one of the most significant redesigns of U.S. coinage in decades. The unveiling took place Wednesday evening at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, setting the stage for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
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For one year only, the 2026 dime, half dollar, and quarter-dollar coins—the latter featuring five unique reverse designs—will circulate with imagery celebrating the nation’s founding principles. Each coin will also display a special dual date: 1776 ~ 2026, echoing the style last seen during the 1976 Bicentennial.
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Authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330) and signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 13, 2021, the Semiquincentennial coins aim to commemorate “250 years of American Liberty” while reflecting the country’s enduring quest toward a more perfect union.
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“The designs on these historic coins depict the story of America’s journey toward a ‘more perfect union,’ and celebrate America’s defining ideals of liberty,” said Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally. “We hope to offer each American the opportunity to hold our nation’s storied 250 years of history in the palms of their hands as we Connect America through Coins.”
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The circulating versions of the new coins will enter public use in 2026, ensuring that millions of Americans will encounter the special designs in everyday transactions.
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The Mint has released a video overview introducing the new 2026 Semiquincentennial circulating coin designs. Watch it here.
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In addition to circulating coinage, the Mint will issue special collectible editions in 2026. Highlights include:
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- A redesigned collectible half dollar, its first major change since the 1976 Bicentennial.
- A new-look collectible penny, also bearing the commemorative “1776 ~ 2026” dual date.
These limited-edition pieces will be available for purchase directly from the Mint, offering collectors a chance to own premium versions of the historic anniversary designs.
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As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, the U.S. Mint’s 2026 program promises to be one of the most widely shared commemorations—pocket-sized tributes honoring America’s past, present, and future.
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Paul Hollis Confirmed as 41st Director of the United States Mint
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On Monday, January 5, 2026, Paul Hollis took the oath of office, becoming the 41st Director of the United States Mint (Mint). Mr. Hollis was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on July 16 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18.
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“I am honored and humbled to be confirmed as the 41st Director of the United States Mint,” said Hollis. “As a lifelong collector, I am privileged to serve as the leader of the world’s largest mint and am eager to meet the incredible team behind the design, production and sales of circulating, numismatic and bullion coins and medals.”
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Prior to his appointment with the Mint, Director Hollis was elected to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, where he supported a constituency of 500,000 people. From 2012 to 2024, Director Hollis served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
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Director Hollis has spent more than 30 years as a professional numismatist. He is a 25-year Life Member of the congressionally chartered American Numismatic Association. Director Hollis has served on various professional boards that include the Industry Council for Tangible Assets as well as the Numismatic Literary Guild.
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A native of Louisiana, Director Hollis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1994 from Louisiana State University. He and his wife, Ashley, have been married for 23 years and have two children.
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