On Wednesday, the US Department of the Treasury announced the launch of a new one-dollar coin featuring former President Donald Trump’s portrait, part of the country’s 250th independence anniversary celebrations. The coin is set to be released this fall.

The final design, approved earlier this year by the Commission of Fine Arts—whose members were appointed by Trump—differs from the original concept in notable ways. For instance, the coin is not made of gold but has a gold-colored finish.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the coin as a tribute “to the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism.” In a post on X, he said the coin “celebrates the strength of American values and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.”

Trump himself told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that having his face on a coin is “very unusual,” but he felt “honored” and called it “very nice” to receive such recognition.

This move continues Trump’s pattern of placing his name and image in historical records, following his renaming of institutions like the Peace Institute, the Kennedy Center, and a new class of warships. However, the decision has sparked criticism because federal law generally prohibits depicting living presidents on coins. Still, the Treasury Secretary holds the authority to authorize coin issuance under certain circumstances.

The coin’s obverse features Trump in a suit and tie with a stern expression. The word “Liberty” arches across the top, with the dates 1776-2026 below. The phrase “In God We Trust” appears in the center.

On the reverse, the traditional bald eagle seal of the United States is displayed, with “United States of America” above and the Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of many, one”) on the eagle’s shield.

Notably, the final design removes Trump’s original pose of leaning forward on his fists, though the Treasury did not explain the reason for this change.

While the coin has stirred debate, it also reflects ongoing conversations about how national symbols evolve and who is honored in public memory—an important consideration for a diverse and changing America.