The US Treasury Department has announced that the US Mint has begun producing a new commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.
While officials describe the coin as a tribute to liberty and patriotism, the decision has drawn legal scrutiny because federal law generally prohibits the depiction of living presidents on US currency.
The US Treasury Department confirmed on Wednesday that the US Mint has started producing a new commemorative one-dollar coin featuring President Donald Trump. The coin is being issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and is scheduled for public release this fall.
Treasury officials said the final design was approved earlier this year by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump. The coin is currently being minted in Philadelphia, according to the Treasury Department.
Bessent says coin honours liberty, patriotism
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the commemorative coin is intended to celebrate the nation's founding ideals.
In a post on X, Bessent said the coin was designed "to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism."
"Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all," he added.
In a separate interview with Fox News aired Tuesday, Bessent defended the decision, noting that President Calvin Coolidge appeared on a commemorative coin during the celebration of America's 150th anniversary.
"So we can put living people's images on a coin," Bessent said.
The front of the commemorative coin features a portrait of Donald Trump wearing a suit and tie with a stern expression.
Across the top edge appears the word "LIBERTY," while the dates 1776–2026 are inscribed along the bottom to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
The phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is placed prominently in the center.
On the reverse side, the coin displays the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States.
The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appear around the upper edge, while the eagle's shield bears the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of many, one."
Final design differs from earlier proposal
Treasury officials noted that the final version unveiled Wednesday differs from the design approved earlier this year. One notable change is that the coin is not made of solid gold, but instead features a gold finish.
The Treasury Department did not explain why the final design diverged from the previously approved version.
The latest design also omits an earlier concept that showed Trump leaning forward with his fists resting on what appeared to be a desk.
A draft released in October had also featured Trump holding a raised clenched fist alongside the words "Fight, fight, fight," referencing the 2024 assassination attempt against him. That design was ultimately replaced.
Trump says he's honoured
President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement, calling the commemorative coin an unexpected honor. Speaking to Fox Business, Trump said:
"They gave me a coin. That's very unusual from what I understand."
He added that he was honored by the tribute, describing it as "very cute they gave me a coin."
The commemorative coin has sparked criticism and renewed debate over US currency laws. Federal law dating back to 1866 generally prohibits the portrait of a living person from appearing on US currency. However, that restriction specifically applies to paper currency produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, while coins are produced by the US Mint.
The issue has become more complex because Congress passed legislation in 2020 authorizing the Treasury Secretary to mint commemorative $1 coins for the United States' 250th anniversary.
However, that legislation also stated that the commemorative coin designs should not portray a living person, prompting legal experts to question whether the Trump coin complies with the law.
At the same time, Treasury officials argue that the Treasury Secretary has authority under certain circumstances to authorize the minting and issuance of commemorative coins.
The differing interpretations have fueled ongoing debate over the legality of the new design.
Trump continues to expand legacy projects
The commemorative coin is the latest in a series of initiatives associated with President Trump aimed at placing his name or likeness on prominent national institutions and projects.
Among the changes during his presidency are the renaming of the US Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue, and a new class of battleships, among other tributes.
Earlier this year, the Treasury Department also announced that Trump's signature will appear on new US paper currency, marking the first time a sitting US president's signature will appear on legal tender.
Traditionally, American banknotes have carried only the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer of the United States.
To accommodate the change, the treasurer's signature will be removed from US paper currency for the first time since 1861, according to the Treasury Department.
Coin to mark America's 250th anniversary
The commemorative coin forms part of broader celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Treasury officials say the new dollar coin is intended to symbolize the nation's history, its founding principles and its enduring commitment to liberty as the country prepares for its historic milestone.
