250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act

July 4, 1776, marks the historic date when the unanimous Declaration of Independence was adopted, establishing the thirteen United States of America as a free and independent nation.

July 4, 2026, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Nation’s declaration of independence.

It is a long-standing tradition to honor significant milestones in American history through the minting of commemorative coins.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation exemplifies the principles of service and sacrifice that have defined the Nation for more than 250 years by providing financial support, housing assistance, and educational opportunities to Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families, honoring the bravery and dedication of those who serve.

First responders have played a vital role in safeguarding American lives and communities since the Nation’s founding, dating back to the first publicly funded, paid fire department established in Boston in 1678.

During the Civil War (1861–1865), first responders, including battlefield medics and firefighters, played critical roles in saving lives and mitigating destruction, reinforcing their importance in times of national crisis.

Gold Star families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Nation, have endured profound loss while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. Their resilience and dedication to honoring their fallen loved ones continue to inspire and strengthen communities across America.

First responders embody the ideals of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” by safeguarding lives and communities, representing a modern continuation of the sacrifices made during the fight for independence.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission ensures that the legacy of service and sacrifice is preserved and that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others are never forgotten.

The issuance of this commemorative coin will raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in upholding the freedoms envisioned in the Declaration of Independence.

Congress has a long-standing tradition of authorizing commemorative coins to celebrate the Nation’s history and the contributions of its citizens and organizations to preserving liberty and justice for all.

Proceeds from the surcharges on the sale of these commemorative coins will directly benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, enabling the continuation of its impactful programs that support Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families.

Denominations— The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Secretary”) shall mint and issue the following coins in continual recognition of the Nation’s semiquincentennial by honoring over 250 years of Americans’ service and sacrifice:

Legal tender— The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.

Numismatic items— For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

Mintage limit exception— If the Secretary determines, based on independent, market based research conducted by the designated recipient organization identified in section 7(b) that the mintage levels described under this subsection are not adequate to meet public demand, the Secretary may increase the mintage levels as the Secretary determines is necessary to meet public demand.

Selection— The designs for the coins minted under this Act shall be—

Quality of coins— Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.

Period for issuance— The Secretary may issue coins under this Act only during the period beginning on January 1, 2028, and ending on December 31, 2028.

Sale price— The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of—

Bulk sales— The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.

In general— All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge as follows:

Distribution— All surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be allocated to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support programs that provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, the families of first responders killed in the line of duty, scholarships for their children, resources for disaster response teams, and memorial projects honoring their service and sacrifice. These efforts serve as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of those who have safeguarded and advanced the ideals of the Declaration of Independence from its signing to the present day.

Audits— The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection (b).

Limitation— Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code. The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.

minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government; and

no funds, including applicable surcharges, shall be disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7(b) until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by this Act (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.