U.S. Treasury releases $1 coin featuring President Trump amid legal debate

The U.S. Mint started issuing a one-dollar coin that displays President Donald Trump’s face, despite a 1866 congressional amendment that bars living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency. About nine million of the zinc-based coins, which are sold at a premium of roughly $2.44 each, are slated for release.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the design by noting that a former president’s portrait appeared on a commemorative coin during the nation’s 150th anniversary, suggesting a similar precedent for the 250th. However, legal scholars point to a patchwork of statutes, including a 2005 law that further limits which presidents may be featured on coins.

"For me, I would consider it illegal," said Gabriel Mathy, an associate professor of economics at American University who studies American currency.

In May, several Democratic members of Congress wrote to the Treasury urging it to halt the coin’s production, citing the earlier restrictions. A lawsuit filed by retired attorney James Rickher was dismissed in June; the presiding judge ruled that Rickher had "failed to present evidence that clearly shows he will personally suffer concrete harm from issuance of the challenged coin," without addressing the underlying legality of the coin.

The coin, marketed as a tribute to 250 years of American heritage, has sparked debate over the enforceability of historic norms versus statutory law.