A new silver dollar featuring President Donald Trump is in the works to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, as the New York Post reports. The U.S. Treasury has confirmed plans for this bold commemorative coin, stirring both excitement and debate over federal laws on depicting living presidents on currency. It’s a move that’s sure to get tongues wagging across the political spectrum.

The announcement from Treasurer Brandon Beach reveals a striking design with Trump’s visage on one side and his iconic fist-pump -- captured after surviving an assassination attempt -- on the other, marking the nation’s semiquincentennial with a distinctly Trumpian flair.

Beach took to social media to hype the early mock-up, tweeting, “No fake news here.” Well, that’s a relief in an era where trust in institutions often feels thinner than a dollar bill, but let’s hope the final design matches this initial patriotic punch. Some might call it over-the-top, yet it undeniably captures a moment of resilience that resonates with many Americans.

Design details spark debate

The mock-up shows Trump’s face above “In God We Trust” alongside the dates 1776-2026 on one side, while the reverse features that unforgettable “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” slogan with his raised fist.

It’s a powerful image, no doubt, but the Treasury Department was quick to note that this design isn’t set in stone. With federal laws seemingly barring living presidents from currency, one wonders if this is more symbolic bravado than practical policy.

Historically, only Calvin Coolidge broke this mold in 1926, appearing on a half-dollar for the 150th anniversary of independence.

That precedent might give Trump’s coin a fighting chance, though modern rules like the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 explicitly restrict portraits of living persons on certain coin reverses. It’s a legal tangle that could turn this celebration into a courtroom drama.

Adding to the intrigue, the coin’s final material -- gold or silver in color -- and size remain undecided, unlike the large 1.5-inch Eisenhower Dollar discontinued in 1978. Will it echo the mass-produced bicentennial silver dollars featuring Eisenhower and the Liberty Bell, of which over 230 million were minted? Only time will tell if this Trump coin will carry the same collectible weight.

Historical context of commemorative coins

Past anniversary coins, like the bicentennial Kennedy half dollars with Independence Hall or Washington quarters with the “drummer boy” design, show the U.S. Mint’s knack for capturing national pride in metal. Yet, while those designs leaned on historical symbols, Trump’s proposed coin feels more personal, reflecting a singular moment of defiance. It’s a shift that might thrill some and unsettle others who prefer tradition over personality.

The Treasury Department, undeterred by legal or cultural pushback, seems eager to push forward, with a spokesperson declaring, “This first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country.”

That’s a lofty claim, but in a nation often divided by progressive agendas and traditional values, a coin like this could either unite or further polarize. Still, credit where it’s due -- they’re aiming to honor resilience, not just reprint history.

Meanwhile, designs for potential 2026 half-dollar and quarter redesigns remain under wraps, leaving collectors and citizens guessing about the full scope of the Semiquincentennial Program. Could we see more contemporary figures or stick to safer, symbolic imagery? The uncertainty only fuels anticipation.

Parallel proposal would honor Kirk

In a related development, just a week before the Trump coin reveal, Reps. Abe Hamadeh and August Pfluger, both Republicans from Arizona and Texas, respectively, proposed a silver dollar to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Their design includes Kirk’s face and the phrase “well done, good and faithful servant,” with minting at no cost to taxpayers. It’s another nod to conservative values, though final approval rests with Trump himself.

Both the Trump and Kirk coin proposals signal a desire to etch recent conservative figures into America’s numismatic legacy. While some may see this as a refreshing break from the usual historical fare, others might argue it risks turning currency into a political billboard. The balance between commemoration and partisanship is a tightrope worth watching.

Legal hurdles aside, the idea of a Trump coin taps into a deep well of admiration for his unyielding spirit among many Americans tired of sanitized, politically correct symbols. Federal law, including restrictions from the presidential gold-dollar series barring living or recently deceased presidents, may complicate matters, but if Coolidge could grace a coin a century ago, why not Trump now? It’s a question of precedent versus principle.

Looking ahead to 2026

As the Treasury Department navigates these choppy waters, mass-produced silver-colored coins -- often made with copper-nickel alloys since the 1960s -- could be the practical choice over pricier silver limited runs. Whatever the material, the coin’s cultural impact might outweigh its metallic worth. Will it spark pride or protest? That’s the gamble.

For now, the nation awaits a finalized design, with the Treasury promising updates once the current governmental gridlock clears. It’s a reminder that even symbolic gestures like a coin can get mired in Washington’s dysfunction. Still, the promise of a tribute to America’s 250th -- and to Trump’s tenacity -- keeps hope alive for something truly memorable.

Ultimately, this silver dollar, whether it bears Trump’s likeness or not, will mark a milestone in America’s story, just as bicentennial coins did decades ago. If executed with care, it could transcend politics to celebrate the grit that defines the nation. Here’s to hoping the final product honors all Americans, not just a single chapter of our ongoing saga.