$2.50 for America’s 250th Act
Summary
The "$2.50 for America's 250th Act" proposes the minting and issuance of both circulating and numismatic $2.50 coins to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The bill amends Title 31 of the United States Code to mandate the Secretary of the Treasury to produce these coins. The circulating coins would be issued if deemed technically and economically feasible, while the numismatic coins would be at the Secretary's discretion.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will result in the creation and distribution of a new denomination of circulating coin, as well as commemorative numismatic coins. The circulating coins would feature designs from the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin for a limited time, followed by new designs celebrating the founding of the United States. The numismatic coins offer more flexibility in design and materials.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a tangible way for citizens to connect with the nation's founding principles.
- Offers a unifying and educational gesture on the occasion of the semiquincentennial.
- Continues a numismatic tradition of commemorating significant anniversaries.
- May stimulate interest in coin collecting and American history.
- Could generate revenue for the government through the sale of numismatic coins.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The economic feasibility of introducing a new circulating coin is uncertain.
- The cost of minting and distributing the new coin could outweigh the benefits.
- The public's acceptance and use of a $2.50 coin are not guaranteed.
- The bill does not specify the alloy for the circulating coin, leaving room for potential controversy.
- There is a risk that the coins could be hoarded rather than circulated, reducing their intended impact.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof. The bill does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments. The act of commemorating a historical event through coinage falls within the implied powers necessary to execute the enumerated powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).