The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Mint has begun producing a new commemorative dollar coin featuring the face of President Donald Trump. Unveiled by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the gold colored coin is designed to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. It is scheduled to be available to the public in rolls and bags this autumn. Collectors can purchase these special pieces directly through official channels.
The front of the coin features a front-facing portrait of Trump in a suit and tie, surrounded by the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” alongside the dual dates “1776–2026”. The reverse side depicts the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. Struck in Philadelphia, the coin is composed of manganese brass with a gold toned finish rather than solid gold.
We’re excited to begin striking this historic $1 circulating coin celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
The United States Mint is proud to produce the Nation’s coinage and honored to mark this historic milestone. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/uaa7lAmzth
— United States Mint (@usmint) July 15, 2026
The release has immediately sparked intense legal and political scrutiny. Federal law traditionally dictates that only deceased individuals can appear on United States currency and securities. Donald Scarinci, a member of the nonpartisan Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, argued that the production is unauthorized, stating that Congress has not legislated this specific design.
However, Treasury and Mint legal teams defend the coin’s legality by pointing to the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. Officials argue this bipartisan law grants the Treasury Secretary authority to issue special dollar coins for the semiquincentennial. Because the 2020 legislation specifically prohibits a living person’s portrait on the reverse side of the coin, legal researchers concluded that placing Trump’s likeness on the obverse side remains permitted.
While the Trump administration previously introduced bronze presidential medals and added his signature to paper currency, this controversial launch marks the first official instance where a living president appears directly on an active United States legal tender coin denomination.
Sources and Links:
- Business Insider: The US Mint Says It’s Making a $1 Coin With Trump’s Face on It
- The Washington Post: U.S. Mint to produce $1 coin with Trump’s face on it, treasury secretary says
- The Guardian: New $1 coin featuring Trump in production at US Mint, treasury says
- India Today: US Mint to release Trump USD 1 coin for America’s 250th birthday
- Hindustan Times: Can a living US president appear on a US coin? Trump’s new gold $1 coin, explained
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