Treasury Secretary Cancels Biden-Era Coin Design
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has decided to scrap a coin design from the Biden administration that was meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The cancellation comes after concerns arose regarding the design, which did not present a single Founding Father but focused instead on themes like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“The new quarter design for the quincentennial will shine a light on America’s rich history and the founding of our nation,” Bessent told FOX News Digital on Thursday. “While the Biden Administration was engrossed in DEI and Critical Race Theory policies, the Trump Administration aims to promote prosperity and patriotism. We’re confident these new designs will resonate with the American public.”
Interestingly, the U.S. Mint had not yet released the Biden-era coin design before Bessent’s decision to halt its rollout. Exclusive images of various quarter designs have, however, made their way to Fox News Digital.
Former President Trump had initiated legislation during his first term allowing for the creation of up to five new quarter and dollar coins to mark the nation’s upcoming anniversary in July 2026, led by the Citizens’ Coinage Advisory Committee, according to reports.
New Themes for the Coins
The committee recently approved five major themes for the coins, which include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights. Some images of the previously proposed coins were shared, though not all themes were represented, as noted by the Wall Street Journal.
It is the Secretary of the Treasury who makes the final call on coin designs. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had given her approval for the 2026 coin design before her departure from office.
The design meant to honor the Declaration of Independence featured the Liberty Bell, while the quarter honoring the Constitution included an allegorical depiction of the Statue of Liberty. Interestingly, the Biden-era coins did not highlight the Founding Fathers, and one design showcased 19th-century civil rights leader Frederick Douglass.
Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office to get a response on this design change. One advisory committee member mentioned, “We aim to be sensitive to how people interpret the theme and design of the coin. They’re more than just currency; they catch the attention of both kids and adults.”
The 2021 law that established this coin stipulates that its design “must symbolize women’s contributions to the Birth of the Nation, the Declaration of Independence, or other monumental moments in American history.”
Recently, the Trump administration showcased its own quarterly report at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, presenting a more patriotic narrative. One of the coins celebrated the Mayflower Compact, depicting a Pilgrim couple embracing, while another honored the Revolutionary War featuring a U.S. soldier. The coin for the Declaration included an image of the Liberty Bell, and another paid tribute to the Constitution with Independence Hall’s depiction. There was also a coin commemorating the end of slavery that highlighted Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address with an illustration of someone lifting another from their arms.
This design announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s broader initiatives to dismantle DEI programs throughout the federal government, driven by an executive order aimed at identifying and closing DEI offices. Advocates argue that such practices prioritize group-based preferences over individual merit, free speech, and equitable treatment.
On the other hand, Democratic lawmakers are working to block the Trump administration’s plans for $1 coins depicting the former president. Recently introduced legislation aims to prohibit the minting of currency featuring the likeness of current or living presidents.
In early December, Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada put forth a bill to enforce this prohibition. Cortez Masto stated in a press release, “Monarchs have their faces on coins, but America has never had a king and never will have one. This bill upholds our tradition of not having a living president on American coins, and Congress must pass it promptly.”
The Treasury Department referred to U.S. Code that permits the redesign of circulating coins for the semi-quincentenary planned for 2026.
Bessent commented on the situation, saying, “Senate Democrats are so taken by the proposed 250th anniversary coin that they are recklessly trying to change the law to stop it. Americans deserve a commemorative coin that honors our great country.” He emphasized that the Trump administration is focused on prosperity and patriotism, while Senate Democrats appear to be acting out of self-interest.
