The US Treasury Department has unveiled a new gold-coloured $1 commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of the celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. The announcement has drawn attention not only because of the design but also because it raises a legal question: Can a living US president appear on an American coin?

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new coin on Wednesday, calling it a tribute to the nation’s founding.

“As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the @usmint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism,” Bessent wrote on X.

The coin’s front carries Trump’s profile along with the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the years “1776” and “2026.” The reverse features the presidential seal with “250” on the shield.

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Can a living president appear on a US coin?

The answer is not straightforward.

US law has traditionally prevented living individuals from appearing on most forms of American currency. An 1866 law bars the image of a living person from appearing on paper money, while the 2007 legislation that created the Presidential $1 Coin Program also excluded living presidents from being featured.

However, according to Politico, the newly-announced commemorative coin appears to rely on a different law enacted in 2020. That legislation authorised the Treasury Secretary to issue special dollar coins during 2026. It specifies that no person, living or dead, may appear on the reverse side of the commemorative coin. Some legal observers believe this leaves room for a portrait on the front.

Treasury officials said legal experts at the US Mint and the Treasury Department concluded that the design complies with existing law. They also clarified that the coin is made of non-precious metals with a gold-like finish and will be sold in rolls and bags this fall rather than circulating as regular currency.

Why has the coin sparked debate?

The announcement has triggered criticism from some lawmakers.

Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie reacted on social media, saying, “Congratulations, we’ve entered the end stages. Eliminate the penny, plug the nickel, and make some commemorative gold coins nobody can afford.”

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He later added, “I feel sorry for the folks who will be sold worthless knockoffs of this by the usual grifters.”

The unveiling also comes after an earlier proposal to feature Trump on a $250 banknote, an idea that would require changes to existing law and has not advanced in Congress.

FAQs:

Can a living US president appear on a US coin?

Treasury officials say the new commemorative coin is permitted under a separate 2020 law governing special 2026 dollar coins.

Will Trump’s new $1 coin be used as regular currency?

No. The coin will be sold as a commemorative item and will not enter general circulation.