Trump $1 coin makes him first living president on US currency in a century

Donald Trump's portrait has been featured on a US commemorative $1 coin for the first time in a century, marking his presence on American currency despite federal law prohibiting the display of living individuals in national currency. The US Mint unveiled the special-edition coin to honor America's 250th anniversary, stating it captures the nation's spirit, pride, and legacy as it approaches a landmark anniversary.

The coins, priced at $61 for a roll of 25 and $154.50 for a bag of 100, were sold out on the US Mint's website shortly after their release. The US Mint described the coin as a "once-in-a-generation anniversary design destined to become a standout addition to modern collections".

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously indicated plans to introduce a new $250 bill featuring the president's image, while federal law currently forbids the printing of US money with the image of a living person. However, Trump allies in Congress have introduced legislation that would exempt Trump from this restriction.

The new $1 coins also reference the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which originally disallowed living portraits on the reverse side of coins but not on the obverse (heads side). The Thayer Amendment of 1866, which traditionally bans living portraits on US notes, does not explicitly apply to coins.