US President Donald Trump has become the first living American president in about a century to feature on US currency, following the release of a commemorative $1 coin bearing his portrait.
According to Reuters, the US Mint unveiled the coin on Wednesday as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The design carries Trump’s portrait alongside the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
The coin is not intended for ordinary transactions, as the Mint is selling it primarily as a collector’s item. Despite its limited circulation, it retains legal-tender status and could technically be used for payments, taxes or settling debts.
The release comes against the background of a long-standing US law prohibiting the image of a living president from appearing on American currency. Reuters reported that the commemorative coin was made possible through a provision in legislation establishing special designs for the country’s 250th anniversary.
Demand appeared strong shortly after the launch, with the Mint’s website listing both 25-coin rolls and 100-coin bags as unavailable within hours. A roll was priced at $61, while a bag of 100 coins cost $154.50. The Mint said additional quantities would be produced.
The coins, which have a gold-like appearance, contain no actual gold. The Mint said they are made predominantly of copper, with zinc, nickel and a manganese-brass outer layer making up the remaining composition.
Reuters also reported that the commemorative coins were being offered through vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington, DC, adding another unusual feature to a release that has attracted attention because of Trump’s status as a sitting president.
Although the coins are legally recognised as currency, federal law allows individual businesses to determine whether they will accept them as payment.
The commemorative issue represents another instance of Trump placing his image at the centre of an official American institution, with the 250th anniversary providing the legal framework for a design that would ordinarily be prohibited.
