A new $1 coin featuring the portrait of President Donald Trump has been launched by the United States Mint to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The commemorative coin, released on Wednesday, shows Trump’s image alongside the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” It makes him the first living US president to appear on American currency in nearly a century.
Although federal law generally prohibits living presidents from being depicted on currency, a design clause in the anniversary legislation allowed the Mint to proceed with the portrait. The coins are being sold as collectibles and are not intended for everyday circulation.
The coins have a golden appearance but contain no actual gold. They are made of 88.5% copper, with the remainder consisting of zinc, nickel and a manganese brass outer layer. A roll of 25 coins is priced at $61, while a bag of 100 costs $154.50. Stocks were listed as unavailable on the Mint’s website within hours of the launch, although more are being produced. The coins were also available through vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington, DC.
While not circulating in daily transactions, the coins remain legal tender and can be used to pay debts and taxes. Businesses are free to decide whether or not to accept them.
The release continues efforts by the Trump administration to place the president’s image and signature on American currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously indicated plans for a $250 bill featuring Trump, noting that Calvin Coolidge was the last living president to appear on US currency, on a half-dollar issued for the 150th anniversary in 1926.
Officials have also pointed to the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which restricts living persons from appearing on the reverse of coins but does not explicitly ban them from the obverse side, where Trump’s likeness is featured.
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