US Treasury issues US$1 coin with Trump’s face on it

On Wednesday, the US Treasury issued $1 coins bearing the face of former President Donald Trump, marking the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. These coins were sold in rolls of 25 for $61 and bags of 100 for $154.50, marking an increase of 144% from their face value. Initially, it was unclear whether the coins would carry monetary value or be purely commemorative, but the US Mint confirmed they were also in circulation.

This move defies federal law, as it is prohibited for living presidents to appear on US currency. Trump has made it a priority to leave his mark on American institutions in his second term, including placing his name on the Kennedy Center for the Arts and demolishing part of the White House for a new ballroom.

The coin features Trump's face on one side, accompanied by the words "Liberty" and "In God We Trust," along with the dates 1776-2026. The reverse side showcases a version of the US presidential seal, with an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, under a shield that reads "250."

This latest coin is part of Trump's ongoing campaign to have his face and name featured on US currency. In May, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the pursuit of a new $250 bill featuring Trump, which would require altering the law that currently bars living individuals from appearing on currency. The Treasury has not yet commented on whether the new $1 coin violates this law.

In March, the Treasury announced that US paper money would soon bear Trump's signature, another first for a sitting president.