As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding in 2026, a momentous occasion known as the semiquincentennial, I am thrilled to share an exciting development that echoes the profound symbolism of Gary Lee Price's Statue of Responsibility.

The United States Mint has unveiled a new circulating quarter featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and, on the reverse, two hands clasped together in unity—a design that directly mirrors the "dextrarum iunctio," the ancient gesture of joined right hands symbolizing agreement, partnership, and mutual commitment, as embodied in our beloved statue.

This coin is more than a piece of currency; it is a national emblem of resilience and togetherness. 

The clasped hands represent Lincoln's tireless efforts to preserve the Union during one of our country's darkest hours, appealing to Americans to honor the fallen and ensure that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

In the context of the Statue of Responsibility, inspired by Viktor Frankl's vision of balancing liberty with accountability, this imagery resonates deeply. 

Just as the statue's monumental hands reach out in a handshake across the divide—reminding us that freedom demands responsibility—so too does this quarter call upon us to clasp hands in solidarity, fostering a more united and purposeful society.

The timing could not be more poignant.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, this coin serves as a reminder of the enduring values that have sustained our democracy: not just liberty, but the shared responsibility to uphold it.

In an era of challenges and divisions, the Statue of Responsibility stands as a beacon on the West Coast, complementing the Statue of Liberty on the East, and this new quarter amplifies that message nationwide, carried in the pockets of everyday Americans.

Your unwavering support has brought the Statue of Responsibility closer to reality, and developments like this affirm the relevance of its mission. 

Let us use this milestone to renew our commitment—perhaps by sharing the story of the statue with friends, advocating for its completion, or reflecting on how we can embody responsibility in our own lives. Together, hand in hand, we can ensure that the ideals of unity and accountability endure for another 250 years.

With gratitude and optimism.

Stephen J. Cohen
President and CEO
Statue of Responsibility Foundation