U.S. Mint Unveils 250th Anniversary Coin Designs

The U.S. Mint has released the official designs for a special series of coins that will circulate only in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The collection includes redesigned dimes, half-dollars and five commemorative quarters honoring milestones such as the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address.

But the proposal that drew the most attention was a draft $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump, which is still under consideration by the Treasury Department.

A Rare Coin Featuring a Living President

If approved, the Trump coin would be only the second time in U.S. history that a living president appears on a coin — the last instance occurred in 1926, and the issue was so unpopular that most of the coins were later melted down.

A draft design shows Trump’s profile on the front and, on the reverse, an image of him raising his fist, referencing the attempted assassination last year.

“This is a significant break from long‑standing tradition,” said Donald Scarinci, a longtime member of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. “In the United States, placing a living president on currency has always been viewed with caution”.

Historic Themes Replace Earlier Proposals

The Mint’s final selections emphasize classical imagery tied to the nation’s founding. Earlier proposals — which included designs honoring abolitionism, women’s suffrage, and civil rights — were not adopted.

“The American story didn’t stop with the Founding Fathers,” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who criticized the decision to abandon more contemporary themes. “Ignoring the last 162 years is an attempt to rewrite our history”.

One-Year Circulation

All commemorative designs will circulate only during 2026, after which U.S. coins will return to their standard appearance.

The Mint says the goal is to allow Americans to “hold 250 years of history in their hands” during the semiquincentennial celebration