Few dates on the 2026 numismatic calendar carry as much weight as August 27. At exactly 12:00 noon Eastern Time, the U.S. Mint will open sales for the Best of the Mint 1804 Silver Dollar Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set. This is the fourth release in its acclaimed Best of the Mint series. For collectors who have followed this program since its debut, this release may be the crown jewel. It is a modern tribute to the single most famous rarity in American coinage. Notably, it is offered with a strict limited mintage of 15,000 sets and a household order limit of just one.
The Best of the Mint series is a centerpiece of the Mint’s Semiquincentennial celebration. It marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. For the broader investment case behind these releases, see our guide to the 250th anniversary coin. To honor the occasion, the Mint curated a list of 21 historic coins spanning the nation’s history. This spans from the founding of the first mint in 1792 into the 21st century. After gathering public input and expert recommendations, five designs were chosen for reissue. These are the 1916 Mercury Dime, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief $20 Gold Coin, and — the star of this release — the 1804 Silver Dollar.
Each entry in the Best of the Mint series pairs a 24-karat reissued gold coin with a silver medal featuring a modern design inspired by its historic companion. It is a format that bridges two audiences at once. On one hand, it appeals to traditionalists who want faithful recreations of classic artistry. Additionally, it reaches contemporary collectors drawn to fresh interpretations of iconic themes.
Ask any serious student of coin collecting to name the most legendary coin in American history, and the answer will almost certainly be the 1804 Silver Dollar. Known as “The King of American Coins,” it occupies a place in numismatic lore that no other piece can match. Original examples are so scarce and so coveted that when they appear at auction, they command prices in the millions and headlines around the world.
For generations, owning an 1804 Silver Dollar has been an impossible dream for all but a handful of collectors. That is precisely what makes this U.S. Mint release so compelling. While no modern strike can replace an original, this set offers something the originals never could. It is an officially issued, precious-metal tribute that everyday collectors can actually hope to acquire. The Mint itself describes the set as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Given the mintage figures, that language is more than marketing flourish.
The heart of the set is a one-ounce high relief gold coin struck in 99.99% fine gold at the West Point facility. The obverse presents the Draped Bust of Liberty facing right, her long hair bound by a ribbon and framed by thirteen stars, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “1804.” In a nod to the anniversary, the coin carries a distinctive Liberty Bell privy mark bearing the numeral “250.” This is a detail that ties the piece unmistakably to the Semiquincentennial celebration.
The reverse features the heraldic eagle with raised wings, a United States shield upon its breast, and a scroll in its beak inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Thirteen arrows fill the eagle’s right talon, an olive branch its left, beneath clouds and thirteen stars, all encircled by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” True to the original, the edge carries the raised lettering “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” — a charming artifact of early American denomination style. The gold coin measures 1.205 inches (30.61 mm) in diameter and carries a $1 face value with an uncirculated finish.
Accompanying it is a one-ounce silver medal struck in 99.9% fine silver at the historic Philadelphia Mint. Larger than its gold companion at 1.598 inches (40.60 mm), the medal showcases a modern design inspired by the classic dollar. It also has a plain edge and uncirculated finish.
The numbers tell the story. The set carries a limited mintage of 15,000 — the total number that will ever exist worldwide. There is no separate product limit, but the Mint has imposed a household order limit of one set. This policy is intended to give the broadest possible audience a fair chance at checkout. Based on the sellout speed of earlier Best of the Mint releases, collectors should expect intense demand the moment ordering opens.
If this set is on your want list, preparation matters. Create or update your U.S. Mint account before August 27, save your payment and shipping details, and sign up for the Mint’s “Remind Me” alerts on the product page (item number 26BM4). Log in early, and be ready right at noon Eastern.
The Best of the Mint 1804 Silver Dollar Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set unites the mystique of America’s most storied rarity with the precious-metal quality of a modern gold coin and silver medal. As a highlight of the Semiquincentennial celebration and a strictly limited release, it stands out as one of the defining collectibles of 2026. Moreover, it is quite possibly the fastest sellout of the year in coin collecting.
Call now for a free consultation, new accounts receive a free gift with their first order!! 888-369-2950
