A special $1 coin featuring Donald Trump has been issued to mark America's 250th anniversary of independence. Learn about its price, design, metal, and legal controversy.
To mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence, the US Mint has issued a special $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump. This coin, designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America's independence, is notable for its depiction of a living president, which has sparked legal and political debate in the United States.
This special coin features a portrait of President Donald Trump on the obverse , along with the words "Liberty and In God We Trust." The reverse features the official seal of the United States President and the inscribed "250." This number represents the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Looks golden, but is not made of gold
The coin has a golden color, but it doesn't contain actual gold. It's made from a mixture of different metals, including copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. Therefore, its gold finish is only a matter of its appearance and color.
legal tender worth $1
According to the US Treasury Department and the US Mint, this coin is legal tender, meaning its official currency value is $1. However, it is being sold to collectors at a price much higher than its normal value. In US Mint sales, a roll of 25 coins is priced at $61, while a bag of 100 coins is priced at $154.50. This makes these coins worth more than their actual currency value.
Coin with picture of living person after nearly 100 years
This coin is considered special because there have been long-standing traditions and legal limitations regarding the depiction of living persons on US coins. Previously, in 1926, a commemorative coin commemorating America's 150th anniversary of independence featured the image of then-President Calvin Coolidge. For this reason, the new coin featuring Trump's image is considered a significant example nearly a century later.
Is it illegal to put up a picture of a living president?
The most debated issue on this issue is US law. Legal provisions prohibiting the use of living figures on US currency are commonly cited. Critics have questioned the Trump coin based on this very premise. The US administration and Treasury Department maintain that this is not ordinary currency but a special commemorative coin issued for America's 250th anniversary. The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 is cited as the legal basis for this. Thus, this $1 coin featuring Trump is not merely a special coin issued for collectors, but has also reignited the long-standing debate regarding the image of a living president on US currency.
PC: ABPNews
