Treasury Confirms Trump Coin
Washington, D.C. — Draft designs for a new commemorative $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump have been confirmed as authentic by the U.S. Treasury, sparking both celebration among supporters and questions about legality. The coin is part of a planned series marking America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
The Draft Design
According to images circulating online and verified by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, the coin’s obverse (front) depicts a side profile of Trump with the inscriptions “Liberty”, “In God We Trust”, and the dual dates 1776–2026. The reverse (back) portrays Trump raising his fist following the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, with the words “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” and an American flag behind him.
Treasurer Beach defended the authenticity of the drafts in a post on X: “No fake news here. These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and @POTUS are real.”
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Legal Hurdles
However, the design’s legality is uncertain. Federal law prohibits the use of images of living presidents or former presidents on U.S. currency. The relevant statute states:
- A president cannot appear on a coin until two years after their death.
- The 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act further specifies that “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.”
The draft designs attempt to navigate this rule: Trump’s profile portrait is placed on the front, not the reverse. Meanwhile, the reverse features a full-body action image rather than a traditional bust — a possible but untested interpretation of the law.
Treasury Response
While confirming the drafts, Treasury officials stressed that a final design has not been selected. A spokesperson said: “This first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles. We look forward to sharing more soon.”
Historical Context
If approved, Trump would join Calvin Coolidge as the only living U.S. presidents to appear on coins. Coolidge’s portrait was used in 1926 for the nation’s 150th anniversary.
The semiquincentennial coin program, authorized by Congress, allows the Mint to issue special $1 designs beginning in January 2026. While the Trump drafts have garnered intense attention, other themes celebrating American history, culture, and progress are also expected.
What’s Next?
With the 250th anniversary approaching, the debate over whether Trump’s image can lawfully appear on U.S. currency is likely to grow. For now, the Treasury has confirmed that the drafts are real — but not final.