Media365
The United States Treasury has unveiled a new commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The US Mint has started producing the coin, which is expected to be released this autumn, the Treasury Department. The coin is being issued as a commemorative item to mark the 1776-2026 anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the coin was designed to “honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism”.
“As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the US Mint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism,” Bessent said in a post on X.
“Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all,” he added.
The coin’s design was approved earlier this year by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump. However, the final version unveiled by the Treasury differs from the earlier approved design.
One of the key changes is that the coin will have a gold finish rather than being made of solid gold.
The front of the coin features Trump wearing a suit and tie with a stern expression. The word “LIBERTY” appears along the top edge, while “1776-2026” is displayed at the bottom. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is placed at the centre.
The reverse side carries the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears along the top, while the eagle’s shield features the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, meaning “Out of many, one.”
Legal questions over Trump coin
The move has triggered criticism as US federal law generally prohibits living presidents from appearing on the country’s currency.
A 1866 law prevents portraits of living or recently deceased individuals from being featured on US coins and currency. However, Treasury officials have argued that the secretary has certain authority over commemorative coin issuance in specific circumstances.
The Trump administration has defended the coin as a tribute linked to the nation’s historic anniversary celebrations.
Trump welcomed the design, calling it “very cute” and sharing images of the coin on social media.
The decision is part of a broader push by Trump to associate his name and image with major national institutions and projects.
During his presidency, Trump has supported efforts to rename or attach his name to prominent locations and initiatives, including the US Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a proposed new class of battleships.
In March, the Treasury Department also announced plans for Trump’s signature to appear on US paper currency, marking the first time a sitting US president’s signature would feature on legal tender.
The change would remove the treasurer’s signature from US notes for the first time since 1861. Traditionally, US currency carries the signatures of both the Treasury secretary and the treasurer.
