The United States Mint has commenced circulation of new commemorative coins marking the nation's 250th anniversary. The designs for these circulating coins feature historical themes and figures, including pilgrims and early presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. In parallel, the U.S. Mint is considering the issuance of a $1 coin depicting the current president, Donald Trump.
Coin Design Process and Selection
The special anniversary coins received authorization in 2021 in anticipation of the semiquincentennial celebration. A design process was conducted, which included focus groups and public outreach efforts. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) submitted recommendations for five commemorative quarters. These recommendations encompassed designs honoring Frederick Douglass, the 19th Amendment, and Ruby Bridges.
Upon the unveiling of the anniversary coins, the CCAC's recommended designs featuring Frederick Douglass, the 19th Amendment, and Ruby Bridges were not selected for minting. The circulating coins instead portray themes such as pilgrims, the Revolutionary War, and the Gettysburg Address. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Mint stated that the chosen designs were selected by the Treasury Secretary following review by either the CCAC or the Commission of Fine Arts. Some CCAC members, including Donald Scarinci, indicated they had not seen the final selected designs prior to their public announcement.
Proposed Donald Trump $1 Coin
Additionally, the U.S. Mint has explored the concept of releasing a $1 coin featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump for the nation's 250th birthday. This initiative would represent a deviation from established U.S. coinage practices.
Historically, U.S. currency has not depicted images of sitting presidents. For instance, George Washington's image was not placed on a coin until 1932, over a century after his death, as he had opposed the placement of his portrait on U.S. coinage during his lifetime. Douglas Mudd, curator and director of the Money Museum at the American Numismatic Association, characterized the potential move as "an absolute break from tradition" for a circulating coin.
Reactions to Coinage Proposals
The design selections and the proposal for a Trump $1 coin have prompted responses from various parties. Nine Democratic senators have formally communicated to the Treasury Secretary, urging rejection of the proposed Trump coin. Additionally, members of the CCAC whose design recommendations were not adopted have commented on the outcome of the design process.