US Mint Begins Production of Commemorative Dollar Coin Featuring Trump

The United States Mint began producing a commemorative one-dollar coin featuring President Donald Trump, as part of the official celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the coin is now entering production at the Mint's historic facility in Philadelphia. The design places Trump's portrait on the front of the coin, alongside the inscriptions "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and "1776–2026".

The reverse side of the coin features the bald eagle, a national symbol of the United States, inspired by the presidential seal.

The approved design represents a revised version of an earlier concept unveiled last October, which depicted Trump raising his fist with the phrase "Fight, fight, fight", referencing the assassination attempt he survived in 2024.

Trump welcomed the decision, describing the creation of a coin bearing his image as highly unusual. "They dedicated a coin to me, which, as I understand it, is very uncommon," he said in an interview with Fox Business.

The decision has sparked debate among critics over whether placing the image of a living president on U.S. currency complies with federal law.

A law dating back to 1866 prohibits the appearance of living individuals on U.S. currency. However, legal experts note that the restriction specifically applies to paper currency issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and does not necessarily extend to commemorative coins produced by the U.S. Mint.

Congress authorized the Treasury Department in 2020 to issue one-dollar commemorative coins celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, although the legislation included language prohibiting the use of images of living individuals.

Treasury Secretary Bessent defended the decision, arguing that historical precedent supports the legality of the move. He cited the example of President Calvin Coolidge, whose image appeared on a commemorative coin during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the United States while he was still alive.

"Therefore, we can legally place images of living people on coins," Bessent said in an interview with Fox News.

The Treasury Department confirmed in an official statement that the commemorative coin has entered active production and is currently being minted at the Philadelphia Mint, one of the country's most historic coin-production facilities.