See it: Trump commemorative $1 gold coin revealed
The final design of the commemorative $1 gold coin featuring President Donald Trump, approved ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebration. (Credit: Dept of Treasury)
WASHINGTON - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Wednesday that the U.S. Mint will begin striking a new commemorative gold coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, following approval of the coin's final design by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
What they're saying:
In a post on X, Bessent said the Mint "will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism" as the United States marks 250 years of independence. He said the coin "features President Trump" and "celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all."
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Earlier this year, the Commission of Fine Arts unanimously approved the final design for the 24-karat commemorative coin, clearing the way for production by the U.S. Mint.
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Dig deeper:
The coin's obverse features Trump in a suit and tie beneath the word "LIBERTY," along with the dates "1776-2026" and the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST." The reverse depicts a bald eagle in flight with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said the commemorative coin reflects the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial and praised Trump as "the serving President" during the 250th anniversary celebration.
The backstory:
The approval also marks an unprecedented departure from longstanding practice. Federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency, but Treasury officials said the secretary has authority to authorize special 24-karat commemorative gold coins, allowing the administration to move forward with the project.
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Commissioners appointed by Trump earlier this year supported the design without objection, with some advocating for the largest possible version of the coin. Commissioner Chamberlain Harris, a White House aide, called the image "very strong and very tough," while Commissioner James McCrery II suggested Trump "likes big things" as the panel discussed the coin's final dimensions.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. Information in this story came from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement on X, statements from the U.S. Treasury Department and U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach. This story was reported from Los Angeles.