Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday unveiled a $1 gold coin featuring President Trump to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
“As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the @usmint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism,” Bessent said.
“Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all,” he added.
As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the @usmint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin 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… pic.twitter.com/PEMrsGqOEA
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 15, 2026
The Hill shared further:
The coins have a gold-like finish but a non-precious metal composition. They are being minted in Philadelphia and are expected to be available in the fall.
The Commission of Fine Arts gave the U.S. Mint the green light to produce the currency in March. The original design depicted Trump with his fists on a desk and the word “Liberty” across the top on its face, while the back showed and an eagle prepared to take flight.
ADVERTISEMENTThe coin shared by Bessent, however, shows a simple portrait of the president on one side and the insignia from the presidential seal on the other.
Trump, since returning to the Oval Office in January, has taken several steps to add his image or likeness to government-issued documents, federal buildings, battleships and more. The Treasury Department also announced earlier this year that it would print new currency with the president’s signature.
Bessent shared a screenshot of Trump’s sneak peek of the $100 bank note in a July 4 social media post.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” Bessent said.
“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S dollar bills bearing his signature, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” he added.
Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability. There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S… pic.twitter.com/4dvhML2f7h
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 4, 2026
Axios noted:
Federal law bars putting living people’s faces on U.S. coins.
The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 only permits $1 coins honoring deceased presidents.
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 prohibits any portraits of living people on the “tails” side of a coin.
Similarly, 31 U.S. Code 5112 states that no coins shall be made that “bear the image of a living former or current President,” or any dead president within two years of their death.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Treasury Department pointed to a March press release and Bessent’s previous comments about the coin when reached for comment Wednesday.
The Treasury Department argued last October that the coin can be released under the CCCRA because it allows for “designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.”
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