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

Donald Trump's portrait is now featured on a US $1 coin, marking the first time a living president has appeared on American currency in a century. The US Mint unveiled the coin on Wednesday, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary, to celebrate the nation. The coin bears the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" alongside Trump's image.

The US Mint stated that the coins represent "the spirit, pride, and legacy of a nation approaching its landmark anniversary." Priced at $61 for a roll of 25 or $154.50 for a bag of 100, these coins were sold out on the mint's website shortly after their release. However, they were also available in vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington DC.

The golden-colored coins are made of 88.5% copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel, but do not contain any actual gold. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously stated that his department planned to issue a new $250 bill with a portrait of President Trump. However, federal law blocks the printing of US money with the image of a living person.

Despite this, Trump allies in Congress have introduced legislation to make an exception. The Trump administration also cited the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which prohibits portraits of living people on the reverse side of coins but does not explicitly cover the obverse side, where Trump's likeness appears on the new $1 coins.