US Mint Issues Trump $1 Coin Amid 250th Anniversary Celebrations

The US Mint has released a special edition $1 coin bearing the portrait of Donald Trump, commemorating America's 250th anniversary. This issuance positions Trump as the first living US president to appear on the nation's currency in 100 years, BBC News reported on 3 September 2026.

The coin, which features Trump's likeness alongside the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST", was launched on a Wednesday. Although these coins are not intended for general circulation, they are designated as legal tender. Federal law typically prohibits a living president from appearing on US currency; however, a design clause within the legislation for the 250th anniversary was reportedly utilised to circumvent this restriction.

Prices for the new coins were set at $61 for a roll of 25 and $154.50 for a bag of 100. Demand appeared strong, as the US Mint's website indicated they were "not currently in stock" within hours of their release. The coins were also available for purchase through vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington D.C.

Anniversary Commemoration

The US Mint stated that the coins were "created to celebrate this historic national milestone" with a "once-in-a-generation anniversary design destined to become a standout addition to modern collections." Despite their golden appearance, the coins do not contain actual gold. According to the US Mint, their composition is 88.5% copper, with the remaining balance comprising zinc, manganese, and nickel.

The BBC noted that the US Mint, the Treasury, and the White House had been contacted for further information regarding the issuance.

Precedents and Legal Context

This move follows an announcement in May by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated plans for his department to issue a new $250 bill featuring President Trump's portrait. At that time, Bessent highlighted a historical precedent, noting that a half-dollar issued to commemorate America's 150th anniversary in 1926 featured then-President Calvin Coolidge.

The Trump administration has referenced the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, enacted during Trump's first term, in relation to these issuances. While this statute prohibits portraits of living individuals on the reverse (tails side) of coins, it does not explicitly extend this prohibition to the obverse (heads side), where Trump's image appears on the new $1 coins. In March, the Treasury also announced that US paper money would soon bear Trump's signature, an additional first for a sitting US president, according to the BBC report.