To mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a commemorative one-dollar coin engraved with the face of U.S. President Donald Trump will be issued.

According to AP on July 15 (local time), the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it has begun production of a new one-dollar coin featuring President Trump’s face.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent published an image of the one-dollar coin on the platform X (formerly Twitter) the same day. The front of the coin showcases President Trump in a suit and tie, wearing a stern expression.

A commemorative one-dollar coin engraved with the face of U.S. President Donald Trump. Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, is X...

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The top of the coin is inscribed with “LIBERTY,” symbolizing freedom, while the bottom displays “1776-2026” to mark the year of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th anniversary. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are placed in the center.

The reverse side features the traditional bald eagle emblem used in the U.S. Coat of Arms. The phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is engraved at the top, and on the shield across the eagle’s chest is the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one.”

The coin is made of brass, not pure gold.

Secretary Bessent stated, “This commemorative coin is meant to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and the eternal symbol of patriotism,” adding, “With the image of President Trump, the coin celebrates the resilience of American values and the nation’s commitment to uphold freedom for all.”

Draft design of the U.S. Independence 250th Anniversary commemorative coin engraved with the face of U.S. President Donald Trump. Yonhap News

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The final design of the commemorative coin, scheduled for release this fall, was approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts—an agency now composed of commissioners appointed by President Trump earlier this year.

However, the finished coin unveiled on July 15 reportedly differs in some respects from the design originally approved. The U.S. Treasury Department did not give any specific explanation as to why the final product deviates from the initial approved design.

There is a Trump Gold Card poster next to U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

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A $100 bill signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Truth Social capture.

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Limited edition passport commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding featuring an image of Donald Trump. Photo by UPI Yonhap News

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Limited edition passport draft released by the U.S. Department of State in April. Photo by U.S. Department of State

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Some have criticized the move to feature the sitting president’s face on a coin, pointing out that U.S. federal law prohibits the use of the likeness of living persons on one-dollar coins. However, under the first Trump administration, a bill was passed in 2020 for the 250th anniversary commemorative coin, banning the depiction of any individual’s face on the reverse, regardless of whether they are alive. By this logic, some argue that there is room to permit a portrait on the front of the coin.

President Trump has actively sought to leave his name and likeness as part of the historical record and on public facilities. There have been previous proposals to name the United States Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and new U.S. Navy warships after President Trump.

Workers are installing a new sign at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

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In an interview with Fox Business the same day, President Trump commented on having his face featured on the coin, saying, “It is very unusual, but I consider it an honor,” and added, “It’s very endearing that they made a coin for me.”