The U.S. Mint has started producing a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump’s face, aimed at commemorating America’s 250th birthday. This was announced by the Treasury Department, noting that the coin will be launched in the fall. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members Trump appointed, approved the final design earlier this year. However, the unveiled coin differs in some ways from the original version, notably being gold-finished rather than made of gold.
The coin aims to honor the legacy of liberty and symbolize patriotism, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In a statement on X, he asserted that the coin highlights “the strength of American values” and the commitment to freedom for all.
President Trump remarked on Fox Business Network that it is unusual for his face to appear on a coin but found it an honor, describing the move as amusing. Trump’s penchant for having his likeness in the historical record is evident, given his renaming projects at the U.S. Institute of Peace and other institutions.
This initiative has sparked criticism as federal law typically prohibits depicting a living president on U.S. currency, though exceptions exist for the treasury secretary to authorize coin production under certain conditions. The coin features Trump’s image with a stern expression, the word “LIBERTY” at the top, and “1776-2026” at the bottom of the arc along with “IN GOD WE TRUST” in the center.
The reverse side showcases the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the U.S., featuring “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one.” Although the design is mostly consistent with earlier approvals, the final product does not depict Trump with fists on a desk, as initially planned. The Treasury Department did not explain why changes were made.
In March, the Treasury Department also announced that Trump’s signature would be on all new U.S. paper currency. Traditionally, these bills carry the signatures of the treasury secretary and the treasurer.