The U.S. Mint's planned gold coins bearing the likeness of former President Donald Trump will not be ready in time for America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, as they are still in the design phase and issuance is expected months later, according to a legal filing.
Production Details and Legal Challenge
The U.S. Mint confirmed in a court filing that only 47 of these large 24-karat gold coins will be minted, each containing approximately $90,000 worth of gold. However, the project faces a lawsuit from Portland resident James Rickher, who argues that U.S. law, specifically Title 31 of the U.S. Code and the Thayer Amendment, prohibits depicting a living individual on currency.
The U.S. Mint contends the coin is lawful, citing the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which only banned living people from appearing on the reverse of commemorative coins. They also point to historical precedents, such as the 1926 Sesquicentennial half dollar featuring President Calvin Coolidge.
Coin Designs and Public Response
Plans for the commemorative $1 coins were first unveiled by the U.S. Mint in October. The designs include various iterations with Trump's image and phrases like “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026.” The delay means the coins will miss the July 4 celebration, disappointing collectors and supporters.
The legal battle continues as the U.S. Mint defends the project, arguing that the coins are lawful under existing legislation. The outcome of the lawsuit could impact future commemorative coin issues featuring living individuals.
