The United States Mint has officially launched a $1 commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump’s likeness as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The Mint released 250,000 of the coins Wednesday, with Trump’s portrait appearing on one side alongside the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust” and “1776 ~ 2026.”
The portrait was designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna and was inspired by an official White House photograph taken by Daniel Torok.
The release follows a decision in March to approve the coin after questions were raised over federal restrictions that had previously barred living people from appearing on U.S. currency. However, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, signed by Trump during his first term, introduced provisions concerning coins commemorating the U.S. semiquincentennial.
The Trump administration also told Newsweek that congressional approval was not required for the coin. In a legal filing, the administration pointed to historical examples of coins bearing the likeness of a sitting president, including a 150th anniversary coin featuring former President Calvin Coolidge.
The reverse side of the new coin carries the insignia of the Presidential Seal, featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, with a shield on its breast and a banner. It also bears the inscription “250” to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Although the coins have a gold-like appearance, they are made from nonprecious metal. They are being produced at the Philadelphia Mint and became available Sept. 2 in rolls containing 25 coins and bags containing 100.
The Mint said the coins were not issued for general circulation but “may be still used as legal tender.”
The Trump coin is among several commemorative issues being offered by the U.S. Mint this year. Other releases include “Revolutionary War Quarters,” “American Eagle Gold Coins” and “Enduring Liberty Half Dollars,” with some commemorative coins carrying values of more than $10,000.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump coin “celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.”
Bessent has also overseen efforts by the Treasury Department to introduce new currency bearing Trump’s signature earlier this year.
The coin comes amid wider efforts by the Trump administration to place the president’s name or likeness on prominent government-related projects, some of which have attracted criticism.
(The Hill)
