Just over a century ago, citizens of the United States and, for that matter, the world, thought they had seen it all. In 1918, the “war to end all wars” was finally over. Germany had surrendered and the planet was experiencing peace. World War I was so devastating subsequent wild celebrations were rampant. (In retrospect, probably a bad time for the government to enact prohibition on alcohol....)
As a visual sigh of relief, the Mint completely overhauled our silver dollar. Gone was the classic “Morgan” Liberty Head design extant since 1878. Replacing it in 1921 was a revised spiked crown allegorical Liberty in the then-popular art deco styling.
On the reverse stood a bald eagle atop a rock. At the base of that rock, in capital letters, was the word “PEACE.” Reflecting the tone of the country, it was the first time such a sentiment of harmony would appear on US coinage.
This past week, endless news reports recounted the ceasefire and peace in the Mideast. The universal hope is that the multi-year war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza has come to an end. Again, celebrations on both sides have been unbridled.
Many are hailing President Trump for evidently coordinating the outcome. During an appearance by the president, some in the Israeli parliament were even seen wearing red ball caps emblazoned with the words, “TRUMP THE PEACE PRESIDENT.” Not since Jimmy Carter’s 1978 Camp David accord between Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin has such an outpouring of admiration been shown to a US president.
At the same time, the US stands on the brink of our semiquincentennial. In barely two months, we will begin celebrations for the 250th anniversary of declaring ourselves an independent country. Many collectible coins, stamps and currency are slated to be released in recognition. That includes a special commemorative silver dollar coin.
Specifically, for the anniversary, Public Law 116-330 directs that the Treasury Secretary will “have the US Mint produce, for the one-year beginning January 1, 2026, dollar coins with designs emblematic of the nation’s semiquincentennial.” That seems clear.
Over our 250 years, much has happened and many people have contributed to the United States as the longest existing and most successful democracy in history. Their efforts and sacrifices have also resulted in the US being the most socially and, for now, economically secure nation in the world. That’s a lot to recognized on a single dollar coin.
That may be why I was nothing short of agog at the recent announcement by the Treasury regarding its recommendation for a new 2026 commemorative silver dollar. The proposed design features not one but two large portraits of Donald Trump covering the obverse and reverse.
The design was recommended by Treasurer Brandon Beach, appointed by Trump just this past May. Note: the “Treasurer” oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and US Mint. They advise and direct those institutions about coinage and currency. Alternately, the “Secretary of the Treasury” is the nation’s chief financial officer involved in economic and fiscal policy.
On the front of the silver dollar proposed by Treasurer Beach is a large profile portrait of Trump. Above him is the word, “LIBERTY” with “IN GOD WE TRUST” immediately below. (Late night talk show hosts are sure to have field day with that.) At the bottom are the dates, “1776 • 2026.”
The reverse is more pointed and perplexing. Filling the coin above the words, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is a giant image of an impassioned Trump pumping a raised fist in front of a waving American flag near a small “$1” indicia. Above his likeness are the bold words, “FIGHT • FIGHT • FIGHT.”
Unlike the revised 1921 silver dollar featuring the word “PEACE,” this new incarnation has the “Peace President” inextricably connected to the words, “Fight, Fight, Fight.” The paradox and disconnect are obvious. The “Peace President” would be eternally attached to the antonym, “fight.”
There’s another issue. That same public law states, “No head and shoulders portrait or bust of any living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specified coins.” Not a lot of gray area there.
Whether a supporter or detractor of the president, this design simply and completely misses the mark. The plan was to produce a coin(s) recognizing and celebrating the 250th establishment of our nation. There’s much history there. It shouldn’t and can’t be focused on one modern, living individual – particularly one who appointed the Treasurer proposing it a mere five months prior. That dog/coin won’t hunt.
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