The U.S. Mint began selling a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump's face on September 2, marking the 250th anniversary of America. The coin's design includes Trump's visage on the heads side and the Great Seal of the United States on the tails side, with inscriptions reading "LIBERTY" and "1776 ~ 2026," according to fortune.com.
The coin's design was approved this year by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump. The president described the idea of having his face on the coin as "very unusual" but said he was "honored by it." The Treasury Secretary authorized the minting despite federal law barring living presidents on currency, citing special circumstances for commemorative coins, fortune.com reported.
The issuance of the coin has sparked some criticism due to the legal restrictions on depicting living presidents on U.S. currency. However, the Treasury Secretary has discretionary authority to approve special coins, which is how this coin was authorized. The coin is part of Trump's broader efforts to leave a lasting mark on Washington, D.C., including attempts to brand other institutions with his name, fortune.com noted.
The coin can be used as legal tender and was struck to "honor 250 years of great American heritage," according to the U.S. Mint's website. The release date was September 2, 2026, making it available for collectors and the public starting this week, as reported by fortune.com.