US President Donald Trump Celebrates Launch of New $1 Coin Featuring His Image
After a series of controversies, U.S. President Donald Trump will appear on a commemorative $1 coin, making him the first living president featured on U.S. currency. The U.S. Mint has begun production of the coin, which is part of celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, as announced by the Treasury Department on Wednesday. The coin is scheduled for release in the autumn and aims to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The design of the coin has undergone changes since its initial approval by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. While the final version maintains a gold finish, it is not made of gold. The Treasury Department stated that the coin serves as a tribute to “the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that featuring Trump celebrates American values and the promise of freedom for all.
Both sides of the coin
The front of the coin depicts Trump in a suit and tie, with the word “LIBERTY” at the top and the dates 1776–2026 at the bottom. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the right side. The reverse side features the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed along the top edge and the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the eagle’s shield. Notably, the final design differs from the original, which showed Trump leaning forward with his fists on a desk; this element has been removed.
The coin is set to enter circulation in 2026 and will be legal tender. However, a 2020 law restricts reverse-side designs, prohibiting any living person’s portrait. Initial designs had shown Trump’s profile on the “heads” side, while the “tails” side depicted him in front of the American flag.
$1 coin controversy
The announcement has sparked criticism, as opponents argue it violates an 1866 law that restricts living individuals from appearing on American currency. Critics have accused the Trump administration of bending rules to honor the president. The New York Times noted that the 1866 law was enacted to prevent the U.S. from resembling a monarchy by placing living leaders on money.
In response to the backlash, the Treasury Department stated that the commemorative coin complies with the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. The department asserted that Bessent is authorized to issue coins with designs emblematic of the semiquincentennial, arguing that Trump’s image reflects his vision for the country.
Trump’s wider changes to U.S. currency
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier directive to halt penny production, citing manufacturing costs. During his first term, he also blocked plans to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 note, calling it “pure political correctness.” In March, the Treasury Department revealed that Trump’s signature would appear on all new U.S. paper currency, a departure from the traditional practice of including only the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer.
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