Trump Dollar Errors 

Three examples of 2026 Trump dollars missing a clad layer have been reported, prompting collectors to search for additional errors. CoinWeek reported the first example on October 7. The error coin’s obverse is missing the golden-colored manganese-brass outer layer, revealing the exposed copper core beneath Trump’s portrait, while the reverse retains its golden surface. The missing metal also accounts for a dramatic reduction in weight. Weighing approximately 6 to 6.1 grams, the errors are significantly lighter than normal Trump dollars, which weigh 8.1 grams.

Numismatic Guaranty Company authenticated the piece and graded it Mint State-65 with the Advance Releases designation. Two additional examples were identified by mint error specialist Mike Byers, but have not received third-party certification. Byers says, “the Trump Dollar error coin missing the clad layer is the most significant error coin discovery of this decade. It is the 2026 top news story on a mint error. The search for missing clad layers on the Trump Dollar is going viral as thousands of collectors search their U.S. Mint bags and rolls.  To date, only three have been authenticated. It is possible that a few more will be discovered.”

Florida collector Patrick Dolan discovered the second example in a 100-coin U.S. Mint bag. The third was submitted for examination by collector Tyrone Kemp.

Collectors should examine both sides of their Trump dollars and weigh suspicious examples. Copper coloration alone does not establish a missing-clad-layer error. Byers warns collectors to not confuse “the Trump Dollar missing clad layer, weighing 6.0 to 6.1 grams and showing the center copper core, with the ‘coppery or bronze’ looking Trump Dollars that are improperly annealed, weigh the normal 8.1 grams and are worth just $50 to $100.”