The architect behind the Trump commemorative coin is now setting his sights on a new venture: a $250 bill featuring the former president's likeness.
Brandon Beach, the U.S. Treasurer, gained widespread attention in October when he revealed a draft of a one-dollar coin honoring President Donald Trump, slated for release in 2026 to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. According to the Daily Caller, Beach is now working on a $250 bill that would also bear Trump's image.
"When Trump appointed me to the job, I told him I wanted to do a $250 bill with his picture on the 250 birthday celebration," Beach stated, acknowledging the legal hurdles involved, as current law requires a president to be deceased to appear on paper currency. "Now weve got a bill in the House, but its got to be passed by law," he added. "If it is, then we will do the $250 with his picture on it."
Beach, who oversees the U.S. Mint and Fort Knox, was a Republican state senator in Georgia before Trump appointed him to his current role in May. In November, he marked a significant milestone by ending the production of the penny, a move that will save taxpayers $56 million annually.
With the penny's demise, Beach has turned his attention to other currency projects, including the Trump coin. The initial design features Trump's profile with "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY," along with the dates 1776 and 2026. The reverse side depicts Trump raising his fist, with an American flag and the words "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT."
However, Beach clarified that the final coin will not feature Trump on both sides. "I did find out from the U.S. Mint that we could put [Trump] on a $1 coin without any legislation, and theres no law against it," Beach explained. "So I went ahead and did that, and started doing mockups." He added, "Were going to put some kind of eagle or something on the back. He cant be on both sides, but its going to be a beautiful coin."
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act, passed by Congress, allows for special one-dollar coins to commemorate America's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. The law stipulates that no living person may appear on the reverse side of these coins, hence the inclusion of an eagle or another symbol of Americana. "It is going to be legal tender. This is not a commemorative coin," Beach emphasized. "You can go in and buy something with this $1 coin with Trumps picture on it."
While Beach finalizes the details of the one-dollar coin, he is relying on a Republican lawmaker to advance legislation for the $250 bill. In February, Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the "Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act," which seeks to amend the 19th-century law prohibiting living individuals on currency.
The bill directs the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to produce a $250 bill featuring Trump's image. Wilson, in a statement, criticized the current administration's economic policies, saying, "Bidenflation has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. President Trump is working tirelessly to fight inflation and help American families. This achievement is deserving of currency recognition, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation."
Should Wilson's bill pass, Beach is prepared to initiate the production of the $250 bill, which would become the highest denomination of U.S. currency. Nonetheless, the U.S. Treasurer is also focusing on other commemorative coins unrelated to Trump.
The U.S. Mint is planning currency for the 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup, with most games taking place in major American cities. "We announced five new coins with the 250th celebration on it three quarters, a dime and a half-dollar. Thats great news," Beach remarked.
As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial, Beach's initiatives reflect a broader effort to honor American history and achievements through currency. While the Trump coin and bill proposals may face legal and political challenges, they underscore the enduring impact of the former president's administration and the ongoing debate over his legacy. The outcome of these efforts will likely hinge on legislative developments and the broader political climate, as the nation grapples with its past and looks toward the future.
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