The U.S. Mint introduced new $1 coins featuring President Donald Trump's likeness on Wednesday, to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. This move has sparked a debate over the legality of featuring a living President's image on the currency.
The mint is offering a roll of 25 coins for $61, a 144% increase over their face value, and a bag containing 100 coins for $154.50.
The U.S. Mint clarified that while these coins, minted in Philadelphia, hold legal tender status and can be used in transactions, they are primarily targeted at coin collectors.
One side of the coin features Trump's portrait along with the inscriptions "Liberty" and "In God We Trust," and the dates 1776 and 2026. The reverse side displays the presidential seal, featuring an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, and a shield with the number 250.
The release of the coin has prompted a legal debate, as a federal law prohibits featuring living individuals on currency issued under the section related to the 250th-anniversary celebration. However, the Treasury Department claims the issuance is authorized by powers granted to the Treasury Secretary under a 2020 law passed by Congress.
Treasury Secretary Scott Pizant defended the legality of the move, citing a 1926 commemorative coin that bore President Calvin Coolidge's image while he was in office.
This issuance coincides with Trump's second term efforts to engrave his name and legacy on national institutions and projects, including the Kennedy Center for the Arts. The Treasury Department has also announced that Trump's signature will appear on U.S. banknotes.