The US Mint has released a new $1 coin featuring President Donald J. Trump. The 2026 coin marks the first time a sitting US president has appeared on a coin intended for everyday circulation.
The new “golden dollar” is already entering circulation. The Mint also offers rolls and bags for collectors through its official sales channels. Americans can now find Trump’s image on their change, although dollar coins remain less common than paper bills.
The Mint sells a 25-coin roll for $61. A 100-coin bag costs $154.50. Collectors can also search for a special version of the coin. The Mint struck 250,000 coins with a “July 4th” privy mark.
What the Trump $1 Coin Looks Like
The coin has a gold-like appearance, but it contains no gold. Copper makes up 88.5% of the coin. Zinc, manganese and nickel make up the rest.
The Philadelphia Mint struck the coins without a mint mark. Chief Engraver Joseph Menna designed the front of the coin. He used an official White House photograph as the basis for Trump’s portrait.
The obverse shows Trump facing almost directly forward. It also carries the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The coin displays the dates 1776–2026 to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
The reverse features the Presidential Seal. The eagle’s shield carries the number 250. That detail highlights the country’s 250th anniversary.
Trump Coin Has Historical Precedent
Trump is not the first living president to appear on US coinage. Calvin Coolidge appeared alongside George Washington on a commemorative half dollar in 1926.
That coin marked the 150th anniversary of American independence. However, the Coolidge coin served as a commemorative issue. It did not target everyday circulation like the new Trump $1 coin.
The legal basis for the new coin has also drawn attention. US law generally restricts portraits of living people on American coins. The Trump administration points to the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020.
Trump signed that law during his first term. The law allows $1 coins with anniversary-related designs during 2026.
Mint Design Faces Criticism
The design process also attracted criticism. The US Commission of Fine Arts recommended a profile portrait for Trump. It also suggested a different eagle design.
The Mint rejected those recommendations. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee also declined to review the design. That committee normally examines proposed US Mint coin designs.
The new Trump $1 coin now joins America’s circulating currency. Its release gives collectors another piece of US history to pursue during the country’s 250th anniversary year.
