The US Treasury has issued a new $1 coin featuring Donald Trump's portrait to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, amid questions about whether this act is legal.
On Wednesday, 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the US Treasury released a $1 coin bearing President Donald Trump's face to mark the 250th anniversary of America's founding. This unprecedented move features a living US president's image on legal tender coins.
The coins are sold at $61 (about 2,000 baht) per package containing 25 coins, representing a 144% premium over face value. Bags containing 100 coins are sold for $154.50 (about 5,110 baht).
When the Treasury announced this plan, it was unclear whether the coins would be legal tender or merely commemorative. However, on Wednesday, the US Mint stated these coins "will be circulated in the system."
Using Trump's image on coins recognized as legal tender conflicts with US law, which prohibits depicting living presidents on US currency.
Trump has aggressively challenged traditions and legal limits by pushing to restructure US institutions during a potential second term, including naming the Kennedy Center after himself and demolishing the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom.
This new coin features Trump's face on one side with the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” and the dates 1776-2026 to signify the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The coin's reverse bears a special presidential seal showing an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a shield overlaid by the number “250.”
This is the latest move in Trump's campaign to place his name and likeness on US currency. In May, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his department was planning a new $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait.
He acknowledged that this effort would require Congress to amend laws forbidding living persons from appearing on banknotes and coins.
Earlier, in March, the Treasury announced it would soon issue banknotes signed by Trump, marking the first time a sitting president's signature appears on US currency.
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Source:cna