Trump's Face 1 Dollar Coin

The portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on the new $1 coin issued for the country's 250th anniversary. The U.S. Mint released the product, called "2026 Semiquincentennial President Donald J. Trump $1 Coin," on September 2.

A Historical Detail

Trump's appearance on a U.S. coin as a sitting president drew attention in the country. However, this is not the first time in history. In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge became the first incumbent president to have his portrait on a commemorative half dollar issued for the nation's 150th anniversary. Trump became the second example of this practice about a century later.

Special Design for the 250th Year

On the obverse of the new coin, alongside Trump’s portrait, the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1776 ~ 2026” appear. The design was prepared by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna and was inspired by a photograph taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok.

Presidential Seal on the Reverse

On the reverse side of the medal, the U.S. Presidential Seal is located. In the design that also features the figure of an eagle, the inscription "250" symbolizes the 250th year of the country, along with the texts "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR".

Not Gold, In Gold Color

Although the coin's appearance suggests gold, it does not contain any valuable metal inside. According to U.S. Mint data, the coin is composed of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese and 2% nickel. Its weight is specified as 8.10 grams and its diameter as 26.49 millimeters.

For Collection Sale

Although the coin's face value is one dollar, the U.S. Mint product was offered for sale for collection purposes. A roll containing 25 coins is sold for $61, and a bag containing 100 coins for $154.50. For the first 24 hours, each mint was permitted to place at most two orders for each product.

250,000 Special Coins Minted

The U.S. Mint produced 250,000 specially marked Trump $1 coins at the Philadelphia Mint on July 4, 2026. These coins bear a special 'July 4th' mark, and the pieces are randomly distributed into the rolls and bags offered for sale.

Legal Debate on the Agenda

The use of a sitting president's portrait on U.S. currency has sparked political and legal debate. Some Democratic senators, pointing to federal regulations on depicting living persons on money, opposed the use of Trump's portrait. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that the Coolidge example provides a historical precedent for this practice.

Mint Shows Legal Basis

The U.S. Mint says the $1 coin bearing Trump's portrait was issued under the 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act. The legal framework allows the minting of special $1 coins throughout 2026 in celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.

Demand Rose From Day One

When the money was put up for sale, there was a strong demand on the U.S. Treasury's website. The release of the products for collectors and pricing them above their face value moved the new Trump money from everyday use to a souvenir and collector's item.