US Mint Releases Controversial $1 Coin Featuring President Donald Trump's Likeness for 250th Anniversary

The US Department of the Treasury has introduced a newly released $1 coin featuring the face of President Donald Trump. On Tuesday at 12pm Eastern Time (16:00 GMT), the US Mint began circulating and selling the gold-coloured coin to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

The coin displays President Donald Trump’s portrait on the obverse alongside inscriptions of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WORKS TRUST” (appearing as “IN GOD WE TRUST” in the text). The reverse features an illustration of the US presidential seal with “250” inscribed on its shield. According to the US Mint, the coins capture the spirit, pride, and legacy of the nation.

This marks the first time in nearly 100 years that a living person has appeared on US currency, prompting criticism since such honours are traditionally reserved for deceased dignitaries. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent first announced the coin on July 15 via social media, pointing to a 1926 precedent when the US Mint struck a coin featuring George Washington and Calvin Coolidge for the country's 150th anniversary.

While valued at $1, consumers can purchase a 25-coin roll for $61 or a 100-coin bag for $154.50. Despite the premium pricing, the coins are valid currency for everyday purchases. Although federal law generally prohibits living individuals on US currency, the Trump administration utilized authority from the Circulating Collection Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (CCRA) to mint the semiquincentennial coins.

Opposition has emerged, including Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, who previously introduced legislation to block living presidents from appearing on American coins. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also pursuing preparations for a new $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump.