US Mint produces a $1 coin bearing Trump’s face to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday
The final design of the commemorative coin, released in the fall, was approved earlier this year by the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, whose members are appointed by Trump. But the final product unveiled Wednesday differs from that version in several ways, including that it is gold-plated rather than made of gold.
The coin is intended to “honor the enduring legacy of freedom and an enduring symbol of patriotism,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X. “Featuring President Trump, this coin celebrates the strength of American values and the promise of a nation committed to preserving freedom for all.”
The president told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that the move to put his face on a coin was “very unusual, but I’m honored by it,” adding that “it’s very sweet of them to give me a coin.”
Trump, a Republican, has a penchant for etching his name and likeness into the historical record after renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a new class of warships, among other accolades. The move to put his face on the gold coin has drawn particular criticism because federal law prohibits a living president from being depicted on U.S. currency, although the treasury secretary has the authority to authorize the minting and issuance of coins in some cases.
The obverse of the coin features a picture of Trump in a suit and tie with a stern expression on his face. The letters on the upper half of the coin’s arc mean “LIBERTY”, while the lower half of the arc bears the dates 1776-2026. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is written in the middle.
The reverse features the traditional bald eagle image of the Great Seal of the United States, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the upper half of the coin, and the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” meaning “One of Many” on the shield embroidered on the bird’s chest. Other differences from the design approved earlier this year include Trump not resting his fists on what is supposed to be a table while leaning forward. The Treasury Department did not specify Wednesday why the final product differed from the originally approved design.
The Treasury Department announced in March that it would put Trump’s signature on all new U.S. paper currency.
Traditionally, U.S. paper money carries the signatures of the treasury secretary and treasurer, not the president.
