The United States Treasury has issued a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump’s image, marking another controversial step in the president’s efforts to leave his personal imprint on American institutions.
The coin was issued on Wednesday as part of commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which is being celebrated this year.
A roll containing 25 of the coins was offered for $61, representing a significant premium over its face value, while a bag of 100 coins was priced at $154.50.
When the Treasury first announced the initiative, it was unclear whether the coins would carry legal monetary value or be issued solely as commemorative pieces. The US Mint said on Wednesday that the coins were “also in circulation.”
The decision to feature a sitting president on a circulating US coin has raised questions because federal law prohibits the image of a living president from appearing on US currency.
The development is the latest in a series of moves by Trump that have challenged longstanding traditions surrounding the presidency and federal institutions.
During his second term, Trump has pushed to place his name on the Kennedy Center for the Arts and ordered the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new ballroom, among other initiatives.
The new $1 coin bears Trump’s image on one side alongside the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” The dates “1776-2026” also appear on the coin to mark 250 years of American independence.
The reverse side features a version of the presidential seal, showing an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield bearing the number “250.”
The coin is the latest effort associated with Trump to place his image on US currency.
In May, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department was exploring plans for a new $250 banknote featuring Trump’s portrait.
Bessent acknowledged, however, that such a move would require Congress to amend existing legislation prohibiting living individuals from appearing on US currency.
The Treasury did not immediately respond to questions about whether the new $1 coin complies with the federal law.
Earlier in March, the Treasury announced that US paper currency would soon carry Trump’s signature, another unprecedented development involving a sitting US president.
