Sales begin for gold-colored Donald Trump commemorative coins amid strong demand

The U.S. Mint has put 250,000 commemorative coins featuring Donald Trump on sale, and demand quickly forced buyers into a virtual waiting line. Just over half an hour after sales began, the estimated wait was 37 minutes.

The new collector dollars come in rolls of 25 for $61 or special bags of 100 for $154.50. The obverse shows Trump’s face alongside the word “Liberty” and the dates 1776-2026. The reverse carries the Great Seal of the United States, with the number 250 placed in the flag, and the standard wording “United States of America, One Dollar.”

Despite their gold-colored appearance, the coins contain no gold. They are made mainly of copper, with small amounts of zinc, manganese and nickel.

The Treasury Department had originally planned a $250 banknote bearing Trump’s likeness. The plan failed to win congressional support because U.S. law bars images of living people on money. The administration instead relied on a 2020 law concerning the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which it says permits new coins honoring the national jubilee.

The coins are the latest in a series of official objects and documents carrying Trump’s name or image. His likeness has appeared on special commemorative passports, government buildings and “gold cards” offering permanent U.S. residency in exchange for a $1 million payment. Democrats have criticized many of these initiatives, accusing Trump and Republicans of promoting a personality cult and comparing them to North Korea. Their attempt to block the coin issue never reached a vote.