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

Donald Trump's portrait has been featured on a United States $1 coin, marking the first time a living president has appeared on American currency in over a century. The US Mint launched the coin on Wednesday as part of celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. While the coins are not currently in stock and were priced at $61 (£45) for a roll of 25 and $154.50 for a bag of 100, they may be used as legal tender.

The Mint explained that the design clause in the legislation allowed for the ban on living presidents to be circumvented. The coin consists of 88.5% copper, with the remaining 11.5% made up of zinc, manganese, and nickel. 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 stated that the department was planning to issue a new $250 bill featuring Trump's likeness, as another living president had previously appeared on US currency – Calvin Coolidge on the half-dollar commemorating America's 150th anniversary in 1926.

The Trump administration also cited the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which permits portraits of living individuals on the obverse side of coins but not on the reverse. The announcement of Trump's $1 coins coincided with the unveiling of his signature appearing on US paper money, another first for a sitting president.