Key facts
- The U.S. Mint is producing $1 coins featuring Donald Trump.
- The coins are authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020.
- The design commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the coin's design.
- Critics question the legality of including a living person's portrait on U.S. currency.
The U.S. Mint has begun producing a commemorative $1 coin featuring Donald Trump, authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the production, stating the coin honors the nation's 250th anniversary. The design includes Trump's portrait on the obverse alongside "In God We Trust" and "1776-2026," with an image of the bald eagle from the presidential seal on the reverse. Treasury officials assert that legal research concluded the design complies with federal law, which generally prohibits living individuals from appearing on coinage, citing historical precedent. However, critics, including Donald Scarinci of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, question the legality, stating that only Congress can authorize such designs and that the committee has never reviewed a coin with Trump's portrait. The coin, described as having a gold-like finish but containing no precious metals, will be minted in Philadelphia and available for sale in the fall. The move has drawn bipartisan opposition, with some lawmakers criticizing the expenditure and its political implications.