The US just put a living president’s face on a coin for the first time in 100 years. The US Mint released a new commemorative $1 gold coin featuring Donald Trump, sparking debate over federal currency laws and historical precedent.
US mint launches new $1 coin featuring Donald Trump’s face
The US Mint has launched a commemorative $1 coin featuring Donald Trump’s portrait, BBC reported. This marks the first time a living president has appeared on American currency in roughly a century. The coin also bears the words “In God We Trust” to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The special-edition coin captures “the spirit, pride, and legacy of a nation approaching its landmark anniversary,” the US Mint said. It has been “created to celebrate this historic national milestone” with a “once-in-a-generation anniversary design.” The Mint added it is “destined to become a standout addition to modern collections.”
The coins sold out within hours of going on sale on the US Mint’s website. A roll of 25 was priced at $61, while a bag of 100 cost $154.50. The BBC contacted the US Mint, the Treasury, and the White House for additional details.
Federal law currently bars printing US money with a living person’s image. Trump allies in Congress have introduced legislation to create an exception, but the proposal remains stalled. However, the Trump administration has cited the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 from Trump’s first term. That statute prohibits portraits of living people on the reverse side of coins. It does not explicitly cover the obverse side, where Trump’s likeness now appears.
The last living president to appear on US currency was Calvin Coolidge in 1926. A half-dollar was issued then to commemorate America’s 150th anniversary. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted this precedent earlier. Back in May, Bessent also said his department was planning to issue a new $250 bill bearing Trump’s portrait. The Thayer Amendment of 1866 bans living persons from US notes, though this traditionally does not apply to coins.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
