Trump’s new $1 ‘Gold’ coin faces backlash before release: Here’s why

The U.S. Mint has officially begun production on a new, commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump’s face, scheduled for release in fall.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed about the coin's production on July 15, 2026.

Design:

The U.S. Mint confirmed that frequently referred to as a "gold coin," the coin actually contains no gold or precious metals.

Instead the coin is made of base metals such as manganese brass and finished with a gold-like luster.

The front of the coin features Trump’s face looking forward alongside the phrases "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and the dates "1776–2026" to celebrate America’s 250th birthday while the reverse, features the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States.

Why the coin has drawn criticism before release?

The move has drawn sharp legal debate as coinage traditionally avoids depicting living presidents.

Under U.S. code, only portraits of deceased individuals are allowed on federal currency and securities.

However, the Treasury Department maintains that a 2020 law authorizing special commemorative designs for the nation’s 250th anniversary gives them the authority to issue the coin, citing a similar precedent from 1926 when living President Calvin Coolidge appeared on a commemorative coin.

The coin will be produced at the U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia and it is expected to be released in fall 2026.