1776-2026 Semiquincentennial President Trump $1 | July 4th Privy | NGC Advanced Release Gem Uncirculated | Kenneth Bressett Autographed

The Most Controversial Dollar Coin in American History — Signed by a Living Legend

Global Coin is proud to present one of the most extraordinary numismatic offerings of 2026: the 1776–2026 Semiquincentennial President Donald J. Trump $1 Coin with the rare Independence Day “JULY 4TH” Privy Mark, certified by NGC in an Advanced Release Gem Uncirculated holder — and bearing the autograph of Kenneth Bressett, one of the most revered figures in the history of American numismatics.

Who Is Kenneth Bressett?

Kenneth Bressett is a living legend in the coin world. He served as the editor of A Guide Book of United States Coins — universally known as the “Red Book,” the definitive annual reference for U.S. coin values — for over five decades, from 1961 through 2019, and continues as Editor Emeritus. He is a former president of the American Numismatic Association and a recipient of the ANA’s highest honor, the Medal of Merit. His name is synonymous with expertise, integrity, and the highest standards of American coin scholarship. His autograph on a coin holder is among the most prestigious designations in modern numismatics.

A Coin That Changed History

Released on September 2, 2026, this coin carries dual dates 1776 ∼ 2026 marking America’s 250th birthday, with the numeral 250 on the Presidential Seal reverse — and, most controversially, the likeness of President Donald J. Trump on the obverse, making it the first U.S. circulating-quality coin in modern history to feature a living, sitting president.

The legal debate was fierce. The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 explicitly bans a living president’s image on U.S. coinage. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent invoked the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330, signed by Trump in his first term), which authorizes the Treasury Secretary to issue a $1 coin in 2026 emblematic of the nation’s Semiquincentennial. The law restricts living portraits only on the reverse; Trump’s likeness appears on the obverse. The Treasury stated: “On this momentous anniversary, there is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump.”

The Ultra-Rare July 4th Privy — Only 250,000 Struck

Of the 9,000,000 Trump dollars struck at the Philadelphia Mint, only 250,000 carry the “JULY 4TH” privy mark, struck on Independence Day and randomly distributed among standard rolls and bags. That’s fewer than 1 in every 36 coins. The Mint’s entire allocation sold out almost immediately. Privy-mark examples are already trading at significant premiums.

NGC Advanced Release “Gem Uncirculated” Certification

These coins were certified by NGC in the official Advanced Release window — among the very first examples submitted and certified for this landmark issue. The “Gem Uncirculated” designation represents exceptional quality for a circulating-standard coin of this type, where the majority of certified examples are grading in the MS62–MS67 range and no MS68+ examples are expected.

Coin Design

The obverse portrait of President Trump was engraved by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna from an official White House photograph by Daniel Torok. Inscriptions: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1776 ∼ 2026. The reverse, designed by former Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, features the Presidential Seal with 250 on the shield, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and ONE DOLLAR.

Specifications

• Denomination: $1
• Year: 2026 (Dual-dated 1776 ∼ 2026)
• Mint: Philadelphia — No mint mark
• Finish: Circulating (never circulated)
• Composition: 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel, balance copper
• Weight: 8.100 grams
• Diameter: 26.49 mm (1.043 inches)
• Edge: Plain
• Privy Mark: JULY 4TH
• Privy Mintage: 250,000 (of 9,000,000 total)
• Grader: NGC
• Designation: Advanced Release Gem Uncirculated
• Autograph: Kenneth Bressett
• Authorizing Law: Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-330)