Imagine a $1 coin featuring a sitting president's face—a move that’s technically against U.S. law. But that’s exactly what’s being proposed for America’s 250th birthday in 2026, with President Donald Trump’s portrait potentially gracing the front of a commemorative coin. But here’s where it gets controversial... The U.S. Treasurer, Brandon Beach, confirmed the authenticity of the draft images on X (formerly Twitter), stating, ‘No fake news here. These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and @POTUS are real.’ Yet, the design raises eyebrows because U.S. law explicitly prohibits depicting a sitting or living former president on currency. So, how did this idea even make it to the drawing board?
The draft coin features Trump’s side profile on the obverse, with ‘Liberty’ at the top, ‘In God We Trust’ at the bottom, and the dates 1776 and 2026. The reverse side depicts Trump raising his fist, a moment captured after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, with the words ‘FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT’ and an American flag billowing behind him. And this is the part most people miss... While the front design seems to skirt the law by placing Trump’s portrait on the obverse, the reverse image—though not a ‘head and shoulders portrait or bust’—still features Trump, leaving many to wonder if it violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the law.
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act, passed by Congress, allows the U.S. Treasury to mint $1 coins for the semiquincentennial celebration. However, the law clearly 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.’ So, is this design a clever loophole or a blatant disregard for the rules? A Treasury spokesperson emphasized that no final design has been chosen, but the draft ‘reflects the enduring spirit of our country and democracy.’
Here’s the kicker... The only living president ever featured on a coin was Calvin Coolidge in 1926, for the 150th anniversary of American independence. If Trump’s coin moves forward, it would break nearly a century of precedent. But is that a good thing? Critics argue it politicizes currency, while supporters see it as a bold celebration of a pivotal presidency. What do you think? Is this design a fitting tribute or a problematic exception to the rules? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments!
