New redesigned coins marking nation's 250th birthday begin circulating today
NPR••general
Key Points:
- New commemorative coins celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary began circulating, featuring pilgrims and early presidents like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, but coins honoring civil rights figures and suffragettes were excluded.
- The U.S. Mint is considering issuing a $1 coin with President Donald Trump's likeness, breaking tradition as sitting presidents have not appeared on circulating coins, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and advisory committee members.
- The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee had recommended quarters honoring Frederick Douglass, the 19th Amendment, and Ruby Bridges to reflect struggles for civil rights and women's suffrage, but these designs were replaced by themes focused on the Revolutionary War and Gettysburg Address under the Trump administration.
