The US Mint has released a commemorative $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump, according to a statement posted on its website. The coin, minted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marks the 250th anniversary of US independence. The Mint said buyers can purchase the coins in quantities of 25 or 100 starting at noon Eastern Time.
The coin’s obverse features a portrait of Trump, while the reverse bears the presidential seal. The Mint also noted that the commemorative series includes 250,000 coins produced on July 4, US Independence Day, with a special mark indicating the date.
Legal and Historical Context
US regulations prevent living people from being featured on legal tenders. The Trump administration cited a 2020 law allowing the US Mint to design a coin to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary, and chose Trump. The US Mint described the coins as both legal tender and collectibles, saying they combine "everyday American coinage with a once-in-a-generation anniversary design."
Federal law does not permit the president’s face to be used on currency, but the Office of Design Management at the Mint said the treasury secretary has the authority to approve the minting and distribution of such coins. The Commission of Fine Arts approved the proposal in March.
The issuance of commemorative coins is a longstanding US tradition. The most popular coin in US history was dedicated to the Statue of Liberty, released in 1986 and sold in a mintage of nearly 15.5 million, according to TASS. Other successful releases commemorated George Washington’s 250th anniversary, the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and the bicentennial of the US Constitution.
Coin Specifications and Purchasing
The coin is gold-colored, but does not contain real gold. It is made mostly of copper, with 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, according to the US Mint. The coins are already in circulation.
Purchases require a minimum of a 25-coin roll, which costs $61, bringing the cost per coin to around $2.6. Alternatively, a 100-coin bag is priced at $154.50, bringing the cost per coin to around $1.54. The 25-coin Philadelphia roll carries product number 26SQRP, and the 100-coin Philadelphia bag has product number 26SQBP.
The Mint has imposed a limit of two orders per household during the initial period, which remains in effect until 2pm ET on September 3.
Official Statements
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent released photos of the coin in July. Bessent said the Trump $1 coin is intended to "honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism." He added that Trump’s image being on the coin reflects "American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all."
Demand for the coin has been notable. Newsweek reported that there was an "extraordinarily high traffic" on the US Mint website just minutes after the sale for the coin went live.