Treasury Department planning to mint $1 coin with Trump's face on both sides for 2026 rollout, commemorating America's 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial). US Mint released three proposed designs featuring Trump with, “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” '1776 ~ 2026." Breaks century-old precedent - living people banned from paper currency since 1866, strong tradition against living people on coins. Only second time living president on US coin (first: Coolidge in 1926).
Federal Reserve: “To avoid appearance of monarchy, long-standing tradition to only feature deceased individuals.” Sens. Merkley and Cortez Masto introduced, “Change Corruption Act” to block it.
In March 2026, NPR reported that a gold coin variant featuring Trump's portrait had been approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with NPR's headline declaring “The Trump Gold Coin Is Not Normal.” Federal law prohibits living people from appearing on U.S. coins, though the Trump administration argues the Treasury has authority to proceed.
On July 15, 2026, the Treasury made it official: Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the $1 gold coin bearing Trump's image, for release in fall 2026, saying it honors “250 years of independence” and “celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.” Under 31 U.S. Code § 5112, no U.S. coin may feature a living current or former president until two years after their death, and the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 likewise bars living people; the administration argues the 2020 Act's 250th-anniversary provisions permit it anyway. Former GOP Rep. Thomas Massie called the coin an exercise in narcissism and warned of “worthless knockoffs” being sold to the public.