The U.S. Mint has announced new coin designs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, set to be celebrated next year. The designs prominently feature themes from the founding documents and the Revolutionary War, yet notably exclude the image of former President Donald Trump. This exclusion comes despite efforts from some of his allies advocating for a coin that would bear his likeness.
The Mint has opted to discard previous designs crafted during the Biden administration that focused on social progress topics like women’s suffrage and civil rights. Instead, it has chosen to prioritize classical representations of American heritage over diverse narratives that contribute to a more inclusive society.
Next year’s celebrations will kick off under the banner of America 250, coinciding with the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. All coins minted that year will not only display the year of minting but will also feature 1776, marking the historic event.
Interestingly, while a design featuring Trump was initially in development, no specific design was ultimately released for a $1 coin. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach had previously confirmed in October that a coin featuring Trump was being considered. The draft design reportedly included a profile of Trump on the obverse side, with a dramatic depiction on the reverse side showing him raising his fist following his attempted assassination, accompanied by the phrase “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.”
Legally, former presidents cannot be depicted on coins until two years after their death. Some advocates are suggesting that a potential loophole could allow the Treasury to mint a special coin in light of the forthcoming 250th anniversary. However, inquiries made to both the Mint and the Treasury Department regarding the status of a Trump coin have gone unanswered.
The Mint’s new classical-themed designs are scheduled to be featured on coins minted in 2026, while current imagery will return in the following year. The updates will include a nickel, dime, and five different versions of the quarter, each celebrating specific historical milestones such as the Mayflower Compact, the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address.
The commemorative dime will showcase a figure of Liberty standing resilient against British tyranny, alongside an eagle clutching arrows symbolizing America’s fight for independence. The nickel will remain largely unchanged from its last redesign in 2006, now including both 1776 and 2026 on its obverse side.
Additionally, two collectible coins will be issued: a half dollar featuring the Statue of Liberty on one side and a child’s hand receiving her torch on the other, representing a continuity of freedom for future generations. The penny will mirror its recently discontinued circulating version, but will only be minted as a collectible item marked with the dual dates.
The Mint has yet to disclose pricing for these collectible coins, which will be available on its website. These coins will vary in price based on rarity; for instance, a recently released commemorative half dollar coin honoring the U.S. Marine Corps is available for $61, while a commemorative $5 gold coin is priced at $1,262.
The designs intended to spotlight women’s rights and civil rights, developed during the Biden administration with feedback from a citizen advisory committee, have been set aside. These earlier proposals featured prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, highlighting the American story’s development beyond its founding. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada criticized the Mint’s decision, stating that ignoring recent history represents an effort to rewrite American culture.
Overall, the forthcoming designs from the U.S. Mint signify a focus on traditional Americana, raising questions about the representation of contemporary social issues within the narrative of American independence.
