US Mint commemorates America 250 with $1 gold coin emblazoned with Trump’s face

“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,” announced Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.”

https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/2077339920461439115?s=20

In 2020, Trump signed bipartisan legislation that authorized the Treasury secretary to issue commemorative dollar coins in 2026 with designs “emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.” The coin features Trump’s portrait alongside the inscriptions “In God we trust” and “Liberty,” with the dates “1776-2026” at the bottom. The reverse displays the presidential seal with the number “250” on the shield.

According to a report by Politico, the coin appears to bypass certain restrictions that limit the depiction of living people on US currency. Congress established the Presidential $1 Coin Program in 2007, which bars living presidents or those who died within the previous two years from appearing on the program’s coins. Additionally, an 1866 law prohibits living people from being on paper currency, but doesn't specifically apply to coins.

The gold coin is significantly different than a reported proposal from October of last year, which included Trump on the back raising a fist alongside the words “fight fight fight” in reference to his failed assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The new commemorative coins will be available for purchase in the fall. The release also comes after some members of Congress and the Treasury earlier this year proposed an idea that a $250 bill be created with Trump featured on it.