News summary produced by Claude AI
The U.S. Mint has started manufacturing a new $1 commemorative coin bearing the likeness of President Donald Trump as part of celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to an announcement from the Treasury Department. The coin is scheduled for release in the fall, with its final design having received approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts earlier in the year. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the coin was created to honor American liberty and patriotism while celebrating the strength of American values and national freedoms.
The finished coin unveiled Wednesday contains some notable differences from the previously approved design. Rather than being made of solid gold, the coin features a gold finish. The front displays Trump in a suit and tie with a serious expression, with the word “LIBERTY” arcing along the top and the years 1776-2026 on the bottom, alongside the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse side shows the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, accompanied by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The decision to place Trump’s image on the coin has generated controversy, particularly given that federal law generally prohibits the depiction of living presidents on U.S. currency. However, the treasury secretary possesses the authority to authorize coin production under certain circumstances. The final design also differed from the spring approval in that Trump is no longer depicted leaning forward with his fists resting on a desk, though the Treasury Department did not provide explanation for these modifications.
This commemorative coin represents one of several recent efforts to recognize Trump’s presidency through official symbols and instruments. In March, the Treasury Department announced that Trump’s signature would appear on all new U.S. paper currency, a departure from tradition where only the treasury secretary and treasurer have signed such currency. Trump has also overseen the renaming of various institutions and military assets during his tenure.