Trump’s face appears on new $1 coin, sparking legal debate

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s face has officially appeared on a new $1 coin, creating a fresh debate over presidential tradition, the role of government institutions and the limits of federal law.

The United States Mint began offering the 2026 Semiquincentennial President Donald J. Trump $1 Coin on September 2 as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The coin carries Trump’s portrait on the front along with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026.”

The reverse side features the US presidential seal, with an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows. A shield bearing the number “250” commemorates the country’s semiquincentennial, while the coin also carries the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.”

The release has attracted particular attention because US law has traditionally restricted the appearance of living people on American currency. Critics have argued that putting a sitting president’s portrait on money breaks a long-standing convention intended to prevent political leaders from turning public currency into personal monuments.

However, the legal picture is more complicated than a simple ban. The Mint says the Trump coin was authorised under legislation passed for the 250th anniversary celebrations, including the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. That law allowed the Treasury secretary to issue a new $1 coin for the semiquincentennial.

The development nevertheless marks an unusual moment in US monetary history and has prompted criticism from Democrats. Opponents say the decision reflects Trump’s broader effort to place his name and image on prominent national institutions and government-related initiatives.

For collectors, the coin is being sold at a substantial premium. The Mint has priced a 25-coin roll at $61, while a 100-coin bag costs $154.50, despite each coin having a face value of $1. The Mint also produced 250,000 coins struck on July 4 with a special anniversary mark, which have been randomly included in some rolls and bags.

The coin is legal tender, although the Mint says these particular circulating-quality pieces have not been placed into general circulation and may instead reach the public primarily through collectors.

The Trump coin is also part of a wider discussion about putting the president’s image on US currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously discussed a proposal for a $250 banknote featuring Trump, a move that would require congressional action.

For now, the $1 coin has turned a familiar piece of American money into a political and historical talking point—just as the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence.