The US Mint has launched a new one-dollar coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The coins, first announced in July, feature a portrait of Trump on the obverse alongside the inscriptions “Liberty”, “In God We Trust”, and “1776 ~ 2026”.
The reverse features the presidential seal, depicting an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, alongside the number “250” to commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial anniversary.
According to the US Mint, the coins are part of a broader program celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Trump makes coin history
The release marks the first time a sitting US president has appeared on a circulating American coin.
US regulations have traditionally restricted the depiction of living people on currency. However, the Trump administration says a 2020 law authorising special circulating coins for the country’s 250th anniversary allows the president to appear on the coin.
The US Mint said the coins can be used as legal tender, although they are also being marketed as collectibles.
A total of 250,000 coins featuring a special “July 4th” privy mark will be randomly distributed among bags and rolls sold through the Mint’s online catalogue.
A 25-coin roll is priced at US$61 ($85), while a 100-coin bag costs US$154.50 ($215.5).
Gold-coloured, but no gold
Despite their gold appearance, the Trump coins do not contain any of the precious metal.
The coins are primarily made of copper, with an alloy containing 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, according to the US Mint.
The composition gives the US$1 coins their distinctive gold colour while keeping their intrinsic metal value well below that of an actual gold coin.
Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au
Image: US Mint
