The U.S. Treasury Department has unveiled a new commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the U.S. Mint has begun striking the commemorative coin, which is expected to be available this fall.
“As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the U.S. Mint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism,” Bessent said in a post on X. “Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.”
Despite its appearance, the coin is not made of gold. Treasury officials said it has a gold-colored finish but is composed of non-precious metals.
The obverse features a portrait of Trump wearing a suit and tie beneath the word “LIBERTY.” The dates “1776-2026” appear along the bottom edge, while the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is displayed in the center.
The reverse depicts the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, along with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
According to the Treasury Department, the final design differs from an earlier version approved this year by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The previously approved concept showed Trump leaning forward with his hands resting on what appeared to be a desk. The department did not explain why the design was changed before production.
Speaking to Fox Business Network on Wednesday, Trump said he was honored by the commemorative coin.
“It’s very unusual, but I was honored by it,” Trump said, The Hill reported. “It’s cute, not a bad picture, but it’s very cute that he gave me a coin.”
The commemorative coin is being produced at the U.S. Mint’s Philadelphia facility and is scheduled for release this fall as part of events marking the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
The announcement has drawn criticism from some observers, who noted that federal law generally prohibits the depiction of living presidents on circulating U.S. currency. Treasury officials have maintained that the commemorative coin was authorized under the department’s authority to issue certain commemorative coins and is separate from standard circulating currency.
