Trump $1 coin could break a century-old US currency tradition: Here’s why

Donald Trump’s portrait on a new $1 coin has drawn attention in a move that makes him the first living president to appear on American currency in more than a century.

The US Mint officially released the $1 coin with a portrait of Trump alongside the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” ahead of America’s 250th century.

The coin is priced at $61 for a roll of 25 and $154.50 for a bag of 100 which is currently not in stock on the mint’s website within hours of sale online.

The coins were also sold in vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington DC. In this connection, the US Mint said: “The coin has been created to celebrate this historic national milestone with a once in a generation anniversary destined to become a standout addition to modern collections.”

The Trump semiquincentennial coin features a commemorative design and represents a historic milestone in the nation’s coinage.

The coin enters circulation with a forward-facing Trump portrait on the obverse by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna paired with the Presidential Seal on the turnaround for the 1776-2026 anniversary.

The coins have a golden color that does not contain any gold. According to the US Mint, they are 88.5% copper made with the balance made up of zinc, manganese and nickel.

In May, Treasury Secretary Bessent stated his department was working to issue a new $250 bill featuring Donald Trump. At the time, he highlighted that another living US president had previously appeared on the country’s currency.