New $1 Coin with Donald Trump Launches for US 250th Birthday

What Happened?

The treasury department said on Wednesday that the US Mint (the place that makes coins) has started making a special new $1 coin. It has a picture of Donald Trump on it! This is part of celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.

When Will the Coin Come Out?

• The coin is planned to be released this fall (the season after summer).
• Treasury officials said the final look was approved earlier this year by a group called the US Commission of Fine Arts.
• The people on that group were chosen by Trump.
• But the coin shown on Wednesday is a little different from the approved version.
  • One big change: it has a gold color finish, but it is NOT made of real solid gold.

Important: The coin looks gold but is not solid gold — it just has a gold-colored coating!

What Did the Treasury Secretary Say?

Scott Bessent is the treasury secretary (a top money boss). He wrote on X (a social media site) that the coin is meant:

• "to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism"
• He added it celebrates "the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all" by featuring President Trump.

Why Are People Upset?

• A federal law (a big country rule) says living presidents cannot be on US money.
• But the treasury secretary has special power in some cases to say "yes" to making and giving out coins.
• So some people are criticizing the decision because Trump is still alive.

What Does the Coin Look Like?

Front (Heads Side)

• Shows Trump in a suit and tie with a serious face.
• The word "LIBERTY" is across the top.
• The years 1776–2026 are along the bottom.
• The phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is in the middle.

Back (Tails Side)

• Has the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States (a traditional symbol).
• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is written around the top.
• The eagle’s chest shield has the Latin words "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
  • That means "Out of many, one" (many states becoming one country).

Trump Putting His Name Around

Trump has often tried to put his name and face on important places and things, such as:

• Renaming the US Institute of Peace
• Renaming the Kennedy Center (a performing arts venue)
• Naming a new class of battleships (big navy ships)
• Other tributes too

Bonus: His Signature on Paper Money

In March, it was shared that Trump’s signature will soon be on US paper bills (like dollar notes).

• This is the first time a sitting president (one still in office) will have their signature on legal money.
• To make room, the treasurer’s signature will be taken off for the first time since 1861.

Summary

The US has started making a new $1 coin with Donald Trump’s face for the 250th anniversary. It comes out this fall, looks gold but isn’t solid gold, and breaks a usual rule about living presidents on money. The treasury boss says it honors freedom, but some people disagree. Trump has also put his name on buildings, ships, and soon his signature on paper cash.

FAQ

1. Is the new Trump coin made of real gold?
No. It has a gold finish (color) but is not solid gold.

2. Can a living president normally be on US currency?
No. Federal law bars living presidents from appearing on US money, though the treasury secretary has some special authority.

3. When will the coin be available?
It is scheduled for release in the fall.

4. What does "E PLURIBUS UNUM" mean?
It is Latin for "Out of many, one."

5. Will Trump’s signature really be on paper money?
Yes. It was announced in March and will be the first time a sitting president’s signature is on legal tender, replacing the treasurer’s signature used since 1861.