7 months ago
U.S. Mint's 250th Anniversary Coins Spark Controversy
The U.S. Mint has released new coins to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
These coins show a pilgrim couple and four former presidents: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison, and George Washington.
However, some people are upset because the coins don't include important moments from women's history and the civil rights movement.
A group that helped design the coins had suggested including figures like Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, but the Trump administration chose different designs.
There's also talk about making a coin with President Trump's face, which some people think is not a good idea.
This has started a big discussion about whether the coins are fairly representing American history.
U.S. Mint released new coins for the 250th anniversary featuring a pilgrim couple and four former presidents.
Controversy arises over the omission of women's history and civil rights movement moments.
Bipartisan advisory panel's recommendations for diverse figures were ignored by the Trump administration.
Trump administration accused of focusing on traditional, less diverse designs.
Consideration of a $1 coin featuring Trump's face sparks further debate.
- Who
- U.S. Mint, Trump administration, Bipartisan advisory panel
- What
- Controversy over the omission of diverse historical figures and moments in the 250th anniversary coins
- Where
- United States
- When
- Coins began circulating this week
- Why
- Accusations of whitewashing and political influence in the coin designs
Key facts
- Coins Featured
- Pilgrim couple, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison, George Washington
- Omitted Moments
- Women's history, civil rights movement
- Administration Involved
- Trump administration
- Bipartisan Advisory Panel Recommendations
- Frederick Douglass, Ruby Bridges, women's suffrage movement
- Trump Coin Consideration
- $1 coin featuring Trump's face
Quotes
Kristie McNally
Acting director of the U.S. Mint
“The designs depict the story of America’s journey toward a ‘more perfect union,’ and celebrate America’s defining ideals of liberty.”
theweek.com
Brandon Beach
U.S. Treasurer
“The coins are part of an American history movement dedicated to fostering prosperity and patriotism.”
theweek.com
Andrew Rudalevige
Professor of government at Bowdoin College
“With these coins, Trump is risking infusing partisan politics into the semiquincentennial and turning off half the country. It is likely that the celebration is going to be pushed into the same culture wars and the same polarization that seems to affect so much of the country right now when it ought to be a time when we could rise above that.”
theweek.com
