The U.S. Treasury has released a draft design for a $1 coin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, and it has already sparked a heated debate. The design features President Donald Trump, which has led to questions about legality and appropriateness.
The proposed coin design shows President Trump in profile on the front, with the word “Liberty” above his image and the years “1776–2026” below. On the reverse side, Trump is depicted raising a clenched fist, with a flag in the background and the words “fight, fight, fight” displayed above. This phrase refers to a statement he made after surviving an assassination attempt last year.
The draft images were shared by Treasurer Brandon Beach on X and subsequently released by the U.S. Treasury. A Treasury spokesperson emphasized that this is only a draft design and that a final decision on the coin’s appearance has not yet been made. The spokesperson said the design “reflects the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles.”
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Legal Debate Surrounding the Coin Design
The proposed Trump coin has caused a legal stir because U.S. law generally restricts the depiction of living people on currency. One law specifically states that no coin should include a “head and shoulders portrait or bust” of any living person. Some legal experts say that the broader illustration on this draft may technically avoid this rule since it is not a traditional portrait.
Another law, passed in 1866, prohibits the image of living people on U.S. paper money. However, coins are minted by the U.S. Mint, and this law does not apply to them. Additionally, an earlier law prevents living or former presidents from appearing on $1 coins issued to honor presidents. This design, however, is intended to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, not honor a president specifically, which may make it legally acceptable.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt commented that it is unclear whether President Trump has seen the draft design but added that he would likely appreciate it.
The Treasury has emphasized that the design is still in the early stages, and public and legal discussions are expected to continue as officials review whether the coin design meets current rules and guidelines.
Historical Context and Public Reaction
This is not the first time the U.S. Treasury has released commemorative coins for major national anniversaries. During the 1976 bicentennial celebration, the Treasury held a national competition to choose a design. The winning coin featured the Liberty Bell and the moon, while the reverse showed former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had already passed away.
The draft Trump coin has already generated strong reactions online. Some people question the idea of putting a living political figure on a national coin, while others see it as a bold way to commemorate a historic milestone. Treasury officials, including Treasurer Brandon Beach, have noted that the public will be informed once a final design is selected.
The government shutdown has slowed many federal operations, including the final approval process for the coin. Officials have said that more information will be released after the shutdown ends.
While the coin’s release is still pending, the draft design has drawn widespread attention and sparked conversations about how the country chooses to honor important historical moments. The debate highlights the balance between celebrating history and following legal restrictions on currency designs.
