The New Donald Trump $1 Coin Is Getting A Reaction He Probably Didn’t Want
A new $1 coin bearing the face of Donald Trump is heading into production at the US Mint, and it has reignited a long-running debate about whether a sitting president belongs on the nation’s money at all. Announced as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, the coin would make Trump the first sitting president to appear on U.S. coinage in a century — and it is already drawing challenges and criticisms.
The coin was unveiled by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who revealed that the Mint will begin striking the $1 piece to mark the country’s semiquincentennial. Despite its “gold-like finish,” the coin is actually made from non-precious metals. Its front features Trump’s presidential portrait alongside the words “Liberty,” “In God We Trust” and the dates “1776–2026,” while the reverse carries the Great Seal of the United States, complete with a bald eagle and the number “250” worked into the design. Bessent framed the coin as a way to “honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism.”
Federal law generally restricts the appearance of living individuals on U.S. currency, which should mean that Trump is not currently eligible to have his face adorning the $1 coin, or any other coin in circulation. However, the Trump administration have argued it is permitted under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. This act was signed into law by none other than Trump himself during his first presidency, and it allows the Treasury to reissue $1 coins during 2026 that carry designs representing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence.
There are very few actions of President Trump that do not come with an equal wave of praise and criticism. Some experts have questioned the legality of the new coin due to the broad living-person ban that is in place for all coinage, something that has been on the books since the 1860s. There have been several lawsuits filed by individuals, while the Democrats are seeking to introduce a new act that would categorically forbid the use of the likeness of a living president on currency.
Trump Is Actually Not the First President to Put His Face on Coins
Trump’s new coin is not as unique as some believe, as he would just be the only living president to appear on coins in the last century. In 1926, Calvin Coolidge appeared on the half-dollar when the country celebrated its 150th anniversary. Those coins proved unpopular, and much of the mintage was subsequently melted down.
During its development, other designs were considered, including a side profile of Trump — which would have made it very similar to the coinage of the U.K. and several other countries — and allegedly so was an image of Trump with his fist raised in the air and the words “Fight. Fight. Fight.” We should be therefore thankful for small mercies.
This is the latest move by Trump to change the face of American currency, literally. Earlier this month it was revealed that Trump’s signature will be seen on the $100 bill, another first for a president, while back in March a commemorative 24-karat coin depicting Trump at a desk was approved and will be released soon. The administration also attempted to create a $250 bill that would bear Trump’s image, but so far that one has not found a way through the legalities, as it would require an act of Congress.
Whether the $1 coin ends up as everyday pocket change or a low-mintage collector’s item remains to be seen. The coin is currently expected to start appearing in general circulation later this year. Maybe keep the first ones you see, as they could always end up being worth a lot more in the future.
(featured image: Via Wikimedia Commons)
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