The United States Mint has released a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump, making him only the second sitting US president to appear on American coinage and the first in a century.
The coin was issued as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The last sitting president to appear on a US coin was Calvin Coolidge in 1926, when a commemorative half-dollar was issued for the 150th anniversary of American independence.
The heads side of the new coin features a portrait of Trump designed by US Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna and based on an official White House photograph. It carries the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026.”
The reverse features the Presidential Seal, including an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, while the number “250” appears on its shield to commemorate the anniversary.
The coins went on sale through the US Mint on September 2. A roll containing 25 coins is priced at $61, while a bag containing 100 coins costs $154.50. Although they have a gold appearance, the coins contain copper, zinc, manganese and nickel rather than gold.
The Mint has placed no overall mintage limit on the coin, though initial product limits were set at 150,000 rolls and 50,000 bags. Another 250,000 coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint on July 4 with a special “July 4th” privy mark and randomly distributed among rolls and bags sold to collectors.
Trump's appearance has also generated controversy because the United States has a longstanding legal and historical aversion to depicting living political leaders on its currency. Critics have questioned whether the coin conflicts with federal restrictions on portraying living presidents, although the Treasury maintains it has authority to issue the special anniversary coin.
