Trump $1 coin officially released in US

US President Donald Trump now officially appears on national currency. At noon Tuesday (Eastern Time, 16:00 GMT), the US Mint began circulating and selling a $1 coin engraved with Trump's image to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The gold-colored coin features Trump's portrait on one side, along with the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The reverse side bears the presidential seal, with the number "250" engraved on the shield.

The US Mint stated that this coin "reflects the spirit, pride, and legacy of a nation approaching a momentous anniversary."

This is the first time in nearly a century that a living person has appeared on US currency, sparking criticism, as such honors are typically reserved for long-deceased statesmen.

Why was this coin issued?

Since Trump returned to the White House last year, his administration has taken numerous steps to place his name and image on various landmarks and items, including the Kennedy Center, the US Institute of Peace, national park passes, limited-edition passports, and the $1 million "gold card" visa announced last year.

The Trump administration links these efforts to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

On July 15, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent first unveiled the coin on social media. Bessent said the coin "honors the strength of American values and the promise of a nation dedicated to protecting freedom for all."

The Trump administration also cites a prior commemorative coin as precedent. In 1926, for the nation's 150th anniversary, the US Mint struck a coin featuring George Washington and Calvin Coolidge—the then-sitting president.

Critics, however, point out that the 1926 coin was commemorative and not designed for circulation as currency.

Are there other plans for Trump-themed currency?

In May, Secretary Bessent also said preparations were underway to print a new $250 bill featuring Trump. Bessent added that the Trump administration is seeking congressional approval for the note.

How much does the new coin cost?

Although the coin has a face value of $1, consumers can purchase a roll of 25 coins for $61 or a bag of 100 coins for $154.50—significantly above their actual value.

Despite the premium pricing, the US Mint emphasizes that these coins are not merely decorative. They are legal tender and can be used for everyday transactions just like a $1 bill.

Is the coin legal?

Federal law states: "Only portraits of deceased individuals may appear on US currency and securities."

Congress passed this law in 1866 after a Treasury official, Spencer M. Clark, placed his own face on a 5-cent note, angering lawmakers.

However, during his first term, Trump signed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (CCRA), which authorized the Treasury to mint $1 coins "with designs emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the nation."

That act prohibits the likeness of "any person, living or dead" on the reverse of these coins. However, Trump's image on the new $1 coin is on the obverse—the coin's primary face—meaning it may comply with the law's provisions.

Political opposition

Late last year, Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada) and Jeff Merkley (Oregon) introduced legislation to block Trump from placing his image on coins.

"While kings often put their images on coins, America has never had a king and never will," Cortez Masto said. "Our bill would codify this longstanding tradition of not placing sitting presidents on US coins. Congress must pass this bill immediately." However, the legislation did not become law.

The Treasury and US Mint did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Al Jazeera.