US Mint unveils commemorative coin for the country’s 250th anniversary of independence

On September 4, the US Mint announced the release of a new one-dollar coin marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Donald Trump, created by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna based on an official White House photograph. The design is complemented by the traditional inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST," as well as the commemorative date "1776–2026."

The reverse of the coin depicts the US presidential seal with an eagle, with the number "250" added to the shield. Despite being called a "golden dollar," the coin contains no precious metals and is made of a copper alloy with zinc, manganese, and nickel. The coins were minted in Philadelphia, which is why they lack a mint mark.

A special series of 250,000 pieces marked "July 4th" was released for collectors, minted on July 4. These coins were distributed in special rolls and bags. Experts note that it will be difficult to encounter the new coin in everyday circulation, as one-dollar coins are used significantly less frequently in the US than banknotes of the same denomination.

The appearance of Donald Trump's portrait on the coin has sparked a debate regarding its compliance with current legislation, which generally prohibits the depiction of living people on coins. The US administration cites the "Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act" of 2020, signed by Trump during his first presidential term, as the legal basis. This act provides for the issuance of coins in 2026 dedicated to the anniversary of independence.

There is a precedent in US history for depicting a sitting president on a coin: in 1926, Calvin Coolidge was featured alongside George Washington on a commemorative half-dollar issued for the 150th anniversary of independence. However, that coin was not intended for wide circulation.

Source: uza.uz

Prepared by:Tunzale Melikova