New Mexico Route 66 Association Unveils 2nd Edition Centennial Coin

The New Mexico Route 66 Association is excited to announce the upcoming release of a special, second-edition collector coin in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66. This commemorative coin is designed to honor the rich history and enduring legacy of Route 66 through New Mexico, which has played a significant role in American culture and travel.

This exclusive memento is produced by the New Mexico Route 66 Association, making it a highly coveted collector’s item. Each coin comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness and value as a collectible. Additionally, purchasers will receive a copy of the dated press release, further documenting the significance of this centennial celebration.

“The Centennial is an opportunity to not only celebrate the history of Route 66, but also to recognize the iconic small businesses, historic sites, and roadside attractions that give the road its spirit,” said Melissa Beasley-Lee, President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association. According to Beasley-Lee, “This coin is a lasting tribute to the Route 66 communities, and the people and places that have kept this spirit of the Mother Road alive for a century, giving enthusiasts a beautiful, tangible piece of New Mexico history to cherish for the next 100 years.”

The Association would like to express its sincere gratitude to United States Vietnam Veteran, Dale Punch, for his invaluable professional assistance in creating this coin.

The collector coin will be officially released on May 2, 2026. Interested individuals can now preorder the coin through the New Mexico Route 66 Association's official website at RT66NM.org. The website provides additional details regarding the coin, including design features, ordering instructions, and further information about the anniversary event.

Route 66 Centennial Side
The Route 66 Centennial side of the coin showcases a distinctive, unique logo created exclusively for the New Mexico Route 66 Association by renowned New Mexico artist, Darryl Willison. The design combines key state symbols—the roadrunner, prickly pear cactus, and Zia symbol, alongside the iconic Route 66 shield and imagery of the road. Eight stars are included as a tribute both to the nation's 250th anniversary and to honor the military personnel who have served and continue to serve the country.

New Mexico Route 66 Association Side
The opposite side of the coin displays the official logo of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and highlights the organization’s founding year, 1989. This side also features eight US Highway shields to acknowledge the eight state Route 66 Associations that collaborated, through the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, for the past decade to make the centennial celebrations possible. Additionally, the beveled shield edge pays tribute to the nine Native American Nations Route 66 traverses in New Mexico.

Availability and Membership Information
The Centennial Coin will be available exclusively at participating Association Business Member locations and directly through the New Mexico Route 66 Association. Interested buyers can find a list of participating businesses on the Retail Store page of the Association’s website, RT66NM.org. Businesses wishing to become members and offer the centennial coin along with other official New Mexico Route 66 Association merchandise are encouraged to contact the Association via the website for more information.

Supporting the Route 66 Legacy
All proceeds from the sale of the Centennial Coin will go toward supporting the New Mexico Route 66 Association’s mission. This includes the education, promotion, and preservation of the New Mexico Historic Route 66 Scenic Byway, as well as the ongoing economic revitalization of the 604 miles of Route 66 across the state for future generations to enjoy.