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U.S. Mint produces a $1 coin bearing Trump's face to help celebrate America's 250th birthday
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States /Culture & Society

U.S. Mint produces a $1 coin bearing Trump's face to help celebrate America's 250th birthday

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The U.S. Mint is producing a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump for America's 250th birthday.
  • The commemorative coin, set for release in the fall, aims to honor liberty and patriotism.
  • The decision has drawn criticism due to federal law prohibiting living presidents on currency, though the Treasury Secretary has authority to authorize such minting.

The U.S. Mint has begun producing a $1 coin with President Donald Trump's likeness to commemorate America's 250th birthday. The Treasury Department stated the coin honors "the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism," celebrating American values and the nation's dedication to freedom. Trump called the honor "very unusual" but expressed he was "honored by it."

The final design, approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, differs slightly from an earlier version and is not made of gold but has a gold finish. The coin's front features Trump in a suit and tie, with "LIBERTY" and the dates 1776-2026 inscribed. The reverse side displays the traditional bald eagle image.

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 nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.

โ€” Scott BessentTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the coin's purpose in a post on X.

This move has sparked criticism, as federal law generally prohibits depicting a living president on U.S. currency. However, the Treasury Secretary holds the authority to authorize such minting under specific circumstances. The Treasury Department also announced in March that Trump's signature would appear on all new U.S. paper currency, a departure from the tradition of featuring only the treasury secretary and treasurer signatures.

Very unusual, but I was honored by it. It's very cute they gave me a coin.

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump commented on the coin to Fox Business Network.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.