New U.S. anniversary coins will not include depictions of Black Americans or notable women.

The United States is entering a critical juncture as the 250th anniversary of its founding approaches, prompting the U.S. Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee to propose several commemorative coin designs. Over the span of three years, committee members evaluated numerous ideas, ultimately settling on five quarters intended to honor significant figures and movements in American history, such as abolitionist Frederick Douglass, civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, and the women’s suffrage movement.

History professor and committee member Lawrence Brown emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the events of 1776 but also the ongoing journey toward establishing rights and equality. His remarks reflect a broader discussion on whether the anniversary should celebrate foundational moments or encompass the evolution of American society over several centuries.

In a noteworthy shift, the Treasury Department, under the Trump administration, announced plans to produce quarters that diverge significantly from the committee’s inclusive recommendations. The new coin designs will exclusively showcase well-known historical individuals, including Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln, as well as a Pilgrim couple, thereby sidelining discussions of racial history and diversity.

U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach articulated a vision for the administration that emphasizes prosperity and patriotism, contrasting past efforts that highlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moreover, Kristie McNally, the acting director of the U.S. Mint, asserted that the coin designs aim to narrate America’s journey towards a “more perfect union” while celebrating its ideals of freedom.

Controversising the proposed designs, some Democratic senators introduced legislation to prevent living or sitting presidents from appearing on currency, following the suggestion of a commemorative dollar featuring Donald Trump—a notion deemed “un-American” by critics. This administration appears poised to leverage the semiquincentennial as an opportunity to reshape narratives surrounding the nation’s history, which may involve educational partnerships with conservative groups that take a contentious stance on historical representation.

The Trump administration’s agenda also includes the introduction of new educational initiatives designed to bolster a sense of patriotism among younger Americans. However, historians have raised concerns regarding the exclusionary tendencies present in this endeavor. They warn that the administration’s approach may risk politicizing the anniversary celebrations and alienating segments of the population.

Historical consensus suggests that while it is customary for presidents to influence historical narratives, this administration’s close alignment with ideological organizations could distort perceptions of the country’s complex past. The ongoing debate surrounding the commemorative coin designs and historical representations raises questions about the United States’ identity as it prepares to mark its milestone birthday.

As the nation approaches this important anniversary, juxtaposed narratives invite reflection on its ideals, histories, and the ways in which Americans remember and interpret their past. The multitude of initiatives, including planned commemorative stamps and statues from the National Endowment for the Humanities, further hint at an ongoing cultural conversation surrounding what this celebration will ultimately represent for the American people.

The committee commenced its work under the 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act and sought public input through various channels, aiming for a well-considered selection of designs that reflect the nation’s diverse narratives. Despite these efforts being acknowledged among historians for their thoroughness, the newly announced plans represent a profound departure from this vision, reiterating the complexity of the path ahead as America reflects on its 250 years of history.