Trump becomes first sitting president on US coin in nearly a century
US Mint issues $1 coin featuring President Trump, the first sitting president on a circulation coin since the 1930s.
US President Donald Trump has become the first sitting president in nearly a century to appear on a coin intended for general circulation. The $1 coin, released by the US Mint on Wednesday, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The coin's release has triggered debate over its legality, with observers questioning whether federal law permits a living president's image on circulating currency. While past presidents have been honored on coins, most were featured only after leaving office or posthumously.
The Mint's decision marks a notable departure from tradition. The last sitting president to appear on a circulating coin was Calvin Coolidge, who was featured on the 1926 Sesquicentennial half dollar.
The coin is part of broader celebrations leading up to the nation's semiquincentennial in 2026. However, legal experts have pointed to statutes that generally restrict the depiction of living individuals on US coins and currency, though exceptions have been made for special commemorative issues.
As the coin enters circulation, collectors and legal analysts alike are watching to see how the Treasury Department and Congress respond to the controversy.