Coin Shop Owner Says Collectors Should Think Twice Before Buying New Trump Dollar

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Collectors eager to purchase the new commemorative dollar featuring President Donald Trump may want to think twice if they're hoping it will become a valuable investment.

Doug Keefe, owner of Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles in Egg Harbor Township, said he expects the coin to attract plenty of interest when it is released this fall, but believes buyers should view it as a collectible rather than an investment.

"I would not buy it as an investment," Keefe said during an interview on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.

The new $1 coin is being issued to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and features Trump's portrait on the obverse alongside the dates 1776–2026. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield bearing the number 250.

Keefe said the coin resembles previous presidential dollar coins that never gained widespread circulation despite years of production.

"The country has been trying to get people to use $1 coins instead of paper bills for a long time," he said. "This is just another attempt."

One aspect of the coin has generated controversy because it depicts a living president.

Keefe noted that the United States has traditionally avoided placing living individuals on circulating coinage, distinguishing American currency from monarchies that historically featured reigning kings and queens on their coins.

"The assumption from the beginning was that no living person would ever appear on a U.S. coin," he said.

Although the commemorative dollar has generated considerable attention, Keefe believes its long-term value will likely be limited because of expected production numbers and the U.S. Mint's marketing strategy.

According to Keefe, collectors often pay premium prices when new commemorative coins are released directly by the Mint, only to find the same coins selling for less on the secondary market several months later.

"My advice is to wait," he said. "Usually about six months later, you can buy them a lot cheaper in the secondary market."

Keefe said the Mint has expanded the number of commemorative products it offers collectors, which he believes has diluted demand for many issues.

"They make beautiful coins," he said. "But I think they flood the market with too many different things."

The coin is expected to be sold directly through the U.S. Mint, with additional details on production numbers and availability expected before its release.

During the interview, Keefe also discussed the precious metals market, saying gold has remained above $4,000 an ounce while silver has settled around $56 an ounce after recent volatility.

Despite uncertainty in global markets, Keefe said demand for gold remains strong and continues to drive business at his Egg Harbor Township shop.

Keefe made the comments during an interview with Don Williams on The Don Williams Show, which airs live and local weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.