US Mint releases $1 coins featuring Trump

The United States Mint has put 250,000 one-dollar coins bearing Donald Trump’s likeness into circulation as part of the country’s 250th-anniversary celebrations.

The coins are legal tender and may appear as change in ordinary cash transactions. The portrait was designed by Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna and inspired by an official White House photograph by Daniel Torok. The reverse shows the Presidential Seal, including an eagle with an olive branch and arrows, while the shield carries an additional “250” inscription.

The coins also bear “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” They have a gold-like finish but use non-precious metals, and the Mint is producing them in Philadelphia. Collectors can buy rolls of 25 for $61 or bags of 100 for $154.50. Some packages contain special coins marked “July 4th,” indicating they were struck on the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Demand was high enough for the Mint to activate a virtual waiting room because of “extraordinarily high traffic” on its website. Households were initially limited to two orders, although the Mint said that restriction would be lifted at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.

The release has also revived controversy over depicting a living president on US currency. Federal law had previously barred such images, but the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 included provisions for coins commemorating the 250th anniversary. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the coin “celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.” The administration has said congressional approval was unnecessary, citing earlier commemorative coins featuring sitting presidents.

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celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.