Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
The United States Treasury has confirmed the existence of draft images for a commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump, intended for America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. These designs, however, face potential legal challenges due to existing US laws that generally prohibit the depiction of living former or current presidents on coinage.
Coin Design Details
The proposed coin designs include President Trump’s side profile on the front, accompanied by the words “Liberty,” “In God we Trust,” and the dates 1776 and 2026. The reverse side features an image of Trump raising his fist, an action associated with an event in Butler, Pennsylvania, alongside the phrase “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” and a billowing American flag.
Legal Framework and Concerns
US law stipulates that an image of a sitting president or a living former president cannot be featured on a coin. Such depictions are generally permitted no sooner than two years following a president’s death. The specific US code governing coin design states, “No coin issued under this subsection may bear the image of a living former or current President, or of any deceased former President during the 2-year period following the date of the death of that President.”
In preparation for the nation’s semiquincentennial, Congress passed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act, allowing the US Treasury to mint special $1 coins for the event. This act, however, also specifies, “No head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specified coins.”
Navigating the Regulations
The placement of President Trump’s side portrait on the front of the coin, rather than the reverse, appears to be an attempt to circumvent part of the law. While the reverse side also features an image of Trump, it is argued that the depiction of him raising his fist may not fall under the direct language of a “head and shoulders portrait or bust,” potentially offering another legal pathway.
Official Statements
US Treasurer Brandon Beach confirmed the authenticity of the initial drafts via a post on X, stating, “No fake news here. These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and @POTUS are real. Looking forward to sharing more soon, once the obstructionist shutdown of the United States government is over.” A Treasury spokesperson later clarified that while the drafts are legitimate, a final $1 dollar coin design has not yet been selected. The spokesperson added that the draft “reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles.”
White House press secretary commented on the matter, saying, “I’m not sure if he’s seen it, but I’m sure he’ll love it.” Historically, Calvin Coolidge was the only living president to be featured on a coin, an event that occurred in 1926.
Outlook
While the draft designs for a commemorative $1 coin featuring President Trump are real, their ultimate production remains uncertain due to ongoing legal and regulatory considerations. The Treasury emphasizes that no final design has been chosen, and discussions are expected to continue as the 2026 anniversary approaches.
