The U.S. Mint has begun producing a new $1 commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump's face to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Scheduled for release this fall, the gold-finished coin was approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the coin honors the legacy of liberty and patriotism, celebrating American values and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.
The final design differs from earlier versions, featuring a gold finish rather than being made of solid gold. The front of the coin depicts Trump in a suit and tie with a stern expression, featuring the word "LIBERTY" and the dates 1776-2026, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" in the middle. The reverse side shows the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the U.S. with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The Treasury Department did not specify why the final design removed an earlier image of Trump leaning forward with his fists on a desk.
The move marks the first time a living president will appear on U.S. currency, which is generally prohibited by federal law. However, the Treasury Department cited the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 and legislation marking the nation's 250th anniversary as justification. Critics have questioned the legality of the coins and argued that the president is using the currency to celebrate himself.
This initiative is the latest in a series of efforts by the Trump administration to place the president's name and likeness on historical records, including a new class of battleships and the renaming of the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace. Additionally, the Treasury Department announced in March that President Trump's signature will be placed on all new U.S. paper currency, departing from the tradition of featuring only the signatures of the treasurer and treasury secretary.