WASHINGTON — The U.S. Mint is now producing a commemorative $1 coin featuring the face of President Donald Trump, part of the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Treasury Department announced Wednesday.
The coin is scheduled to be released this fall. Its final design received approval earlier this year from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a body whose members were appointed by Trump. However, the version unveiled Wednesday differs from that approved design in several ways — most notably, the coin is not made of gold but instead carries a gold-colored finish.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the coin’s purpose in a post on X, writing that it is meant “to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism.” He added that “featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.”
Trump, a Republican, has shown a consistent interest in attaching his name and image to the historical record, having previously renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue, and a new class of battleships, among other efforts. The decision to place his likeness on the coin has drawn criticism, particularly because federal law generally bars the depiction of a living president on U.S. currency — though the treasury secretary does hold authority to approve the minting and issuance of certain coins under specific circumstances.
The front of the coin shows Trump dressed in a suit and tie, wearing a serious expression. The word “LIBERTY” curves along the top of the coin, while the dates 1776-2026 appear along the bottom arc. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is printed in the center.
On the back of the coin is the classic bald eagle image from the Great Seal of the United States. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the top, and the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — meaning “Out of many, one” — appears on the shield displayed on the eagle’s chest.
The final product also differs from the originally approved design in that Trump is no longer shown leaning forward with his fists resting on what appeared to be a desk. The Treasury Department did not offer an explanation Wednesday for why the finished coin departed from the earlier approved version.
This announcement follows a separate decision revealed in March, when the Treasury Department said it would begin placing Trump’s signature on all newly printed U.S. paper currency. Traditionally, paper currency carries only the signatures of the treasury secretary and the treasurer — not the sitting president.
