The Coming To Life™ 2026 Bicentennial Quarter brings to life the first circulating U.S. coin redesigned to commemorate America’s independence. Featuring Jack L. Ahr’s “Drummer Boy” issued for the nation’s 200th anniversary, this release is limited to just 1,776 pieces.

Produced by the Xceptional Mint, the Coming To Life series combines the sculpting expertise of Michael Gaudioso with innovative Beyond Relief™ technology. The third release in the collection, the Bicentennial Quarter is the most ambitious 3D interpretation in the series to date.

Bicentennial Quarter Design

• Obverse — John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington appears alongside the dual date 1776-2026, updating the original Bicentennial Quarter's 1776-1976 inscription in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
• Reverse — Depicting a Colonial drummer boy, Jack L. Ahr's design pays tribute to the soldiers who fought for American independence. In the background, a victory torch framed by 13 stars representing the original colonies reinforces the design's connection to the nation's founding.

NGC Certification

Each coin is certified MS70 ANTIQUED by NGC. The antiqued finish gives the silver a subtle aged appearance, revealing more detail. Each coin is also designated Advance Releases with the X-Mint Coming To Life label hand-signed by Michael Gaudioso.

Beyond Relief Technology

To fully capture the sculptural depth required to bring a coin to life, conventional minting methods proved insufficient. In collaboration with specialists in minting innovation, the Xceptional Mint develops Beyond Relief technology.

This advanced process moves beyond traditional High Relief and Ultra-High Relief techniques, allowing the design to extend dramatically from the surface while preserving sharp detail and structural integrity.

Bicentennial Washington Quarter

Issued in 1975 and 1976, the Bicentennial Quarter commemorated the 200th anniversary of American independence. Featuring dual dates of 1776-1976 and Jack L. Ahr's Drummer Boy reverse, it became the first circulating U.S. coin redesigned specifically to honor the nation's founding. The coin became a national phenomenon, with more than 1.6 billion Bicentennial Quarters struck across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.

About the Artist

Michael Gaudioso is one of the most respected sculptors and medallic artists in modern numismatics. During his tenure at the United States Mint from 2008 to 2020, he sculpted more than 35 coins and medals, including the reverse of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle.

Coming To Life Collection

The Coming to Life Collection reimagines classic coin designs through dramatic sculptural depth. Produced by Xceptional Mint, each release pairs leading numismatic artists with innovative Beyond Relief technology to bring historic designs into vivid three-dimensional form.