$1 Trump coin: Treasury shares draft design for America's 250th
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Screenshot: @TreasurerBeach/X
The U.S. may mint a $1 coin bearing President Trump's image for the 250th anniversary of America's independence, a Treasury spokesperson told Axios Friday.
Why it matters: The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, passed in anticipation of the nation's 250th anniversary, prohibits portraits of living people on the reverse (or "tails" side) of such coins, and it's unclear whether a design of Trump pumping his fist complies with that rule.
- "No coin issued under this subsection may bear the image of a living former or current President," or any deceased former President within two years of their death, according to 31 U.S. Code § 5112, which governs coin designs.
- For anniversary-specific coins, including the $1 design proposed for the country's birthday, the law says, "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 of any coin."
Fun fact: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, issued a half-dollar coin featuring himself and George Washington, the only time a U.S. coin depicted a sitting president, according to the U.S. Mint.
What they're saying: Treasurer Brandon Beach shared a coin draft to X, with excitement to share more soon "once the obstructionist shutdown of the United States government is over."
- "While a final $1 dollar coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States' semiquincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles," a Treasury spokesperson said.
During Friday's White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if Trump had seen the first draft of the coin.
- "I'm not sure if he's seen it, but I'm sure he'll love it," she said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify federal restrictions on coin designs.
