Donald Trump has become the first sitting US president to appear on American currency in over a century, following the release of a new commemorative $1 coin by the US Mint. The release underscores the president’s ongoing efforts to leave his personal mark on national institutions.
Launched on Wednesday, the coin features Trump’s portrait alongside the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” designed to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Although federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on US currency, a specific design clause within the anniversary legislation was utilized to permit the issuance.
The US Mint clarified that the coins are marketed exclusively as collectibles and will not enter general circulation for daily transactions. Despite this, they retain legal tender status and can technically be used to settle debts and taxes, though businesses are not obligated to accept them.
Pricing for the collectibles was set at $61 for a roll of 25 coins and $154.50 for a bag of 100. Demand surged immediately, with the Mint’s website reporting the items as out of stock within hours of the sale. The organization confirmed that additional production is underway, and the coins are also available at vending machines located in the US Mint store in Washington, DC.
The coins feature a golden hue, but the US Mint noted they contain no actual gold. Their composition consists of 88.5% copper, with the remainder made up of zinc, nickel, and a manganese brass outer layer.
In a statement, the Mint described the project as a “once-in-a-generation anniversary design destined to become a standout addition to modern collections,” created to honor the historic national milestone. The BBC has reached out to the US Mint, the Treasury, and the White House for additional details.
Wait, so technically you could pay your taxes with a coin that costs more than face value?
A century without a living president on currency—until now. Pretty bold move by the US Mint.
Does anyone else find it weird that they say it’s not for circulation but still call it legal tender?
The real story here is how fast they sold out. Collectors lost their minds over this one.
No gold, just copper and zinc, but somehow it’s already a collector’s item. Classic Trump-era economy.