Trump has his face featured on a new one-dollar coin

The United States Mint issued a $1 coin yesterday bearing the likeness of President Donald Trump, as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was made possible by an exemption granted by the Treasury Department, as a federal law would otherwise prohibit the depiction of living presidents on official currency. The coin is legal tender, although its market value as a collector’s item far exceeds its face value. The design was approved by the United States Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump himself. The obverse depicts the president’s face in formal attire with a serious expression, flanked by the word ‘LIBERTY’ and the dates ‘1776 ~ 2026’, as well as the motto ‘In God We Trust’. The reverse depicts the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the bald eagle, arrows and an olive branch, together with the Latin inscription ‘E Pluribus Unum’ — ‘Out of many, one’.

“Only the portrait of a deceased person may appear on US currency and securities,” federal law states. A spokesperson for the Treasury Department has, however, clarified that the issue is authorised by a 2020 law permitting “the issuance of coins featuring iconic designs to mark the 50th anniversary of the United States, for a period of one year from 1 January 2026”. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on X that the coin “honours the enduring legacy of freedom and is a timeless symbol of patriotism”, adding that “it celebrates the strength of American values and the promise of a nation committed to preserving freedom for all”.

Trump had referred to the project in previous statements. The idea of having his face printed on a coin had struck him as “very unusual”, but he had made it clear that he felt “honoured” by it. The Chancellor of the Exchequer officially unveiled the coin’s design in July and obtained the legal authorisation required for its production.

The retail price is three times the face value of the coins. The Mint offers the product in two pack sizes. A roll of 25 coins is priced at $61, whilst a pack of 100 costs $154.50. Both options include, at random, special coins bearing the inscription ‘4 July’, minted on 4 July, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each household may place a maximum of two orders, although the Mint has announced that this restriction will be lifted today.

The initiative has drawn criticism from lawmakers across both parties. Among them is Republican MP Thomas Massie from Kentucky, who opposed the measure and warned against the possible creation of worthless imitations. Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, was more direct, describing the coins as “ridiculous and un-American”. “The American people deserve a president who cares more about putting money in people’s pockets than putting his face on banknotes,” she added.

The launch is part of a series of initiatives by the administration to link Trump’s image to national institutions and symbols. These include attempts to name the Kennedy Centre and the United States Institute of Peace after him. The New York Times has also reported that the administration is pushing for the creation of a $250 banknote bearing Trump’s portrait and that his signature has been added to the new banknotes entering circulation this year.

The debate over who should appear on US banknotes has a long history. The Obama administration campaigned to have the abolitionist Harriet Tubman featured on the $20 note, but the project was put on hold during Trump’s first term. This month, Bessent confirmed that the Treasury Department has no plans to resume that initiative.