Key facts
- The U.S. Mint has released a $1 coin featuring Donald Trump's image.
- Historically, U.S. currency has not featured living individuals, with a 1866 law barring portraits on currency.
- Some scholars argue the coin is illegal, citing historical norms and a 2005 law restricting presidential coin appearances.
- A federal judge denied a request to block the coin's issuance, though the ruling did not determine its legality.
- The coins are made of base metals and cost $61 for a set of 25, making them significantly more expensive than their face value.
The U.S. Mint has released a $1 coin featuring an image of Donald Trump, an item that has sparked debate over its legality due to historical precedents and laws regarding currency.
Traditionally, the U.S. has avoided placing images of living individuals on its currency. This practice dates back to the late 1700s when George Washington declined such an honor, and a law passed by Congress in 1866 explicitly barred the "portrait or likeness" of living people from appearing on currency. However, this ban primarily applied to paper money.
Despite these norms, the new coin, which is legal tender, prominently displays Trump's face. While it appears gold, it is made from zinc, manganese, nickel, and copper. The U.S. Mint states the coins are intended to "honor 250 years of great American heritage."
Concerns about the coin's legality have been voiced by scholars and lawmakers. Gabriel Mathy, an associate professor of economics at American University, considers it "illegal" but acknowledges that such laws are often treated as norms due to enforceability issues. In May, Democratic members of Congress wrote to the Treasury Department urging them to stop the coin's production, citing a 2005 law that further restricted presidential coin appearances.
Additionally, in March, retired attorney James Rickher filed a request to block the coin, arguing it was illegal. However, in June, a federal judge denied this motion, stating Rickher had "failed to present evidence that clearly shows he will personally suffer concrete harm from issuance of the challenged coin." The judge's ruling did not definitively determine the coin's legality.
The coins are being sold for approximately $2.44 each, with a set of 25 costing $61, significantly above their face value. Approximately 9 million of these coins are being produced.