Watch: Trump $1 commemorative coin goes on sale

September 3, 2026

The United States Mint has begun selling $1 commemorative coins that bear President Donald Trump's image in a gold-colored finish. While federal regulations typically prohibit living individuals from appearing on American currency, the Trump administration has justified this move by citing a 2020 statute that permits special designs to mark the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. The coins are available for purchase online in bulk quantities, with pricing that varies based on volume ordered.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (featured on the coin)
The Trump administration (implementing the coin release)
The US Mint (producing and selling the coins)
American consumers/coin purchasers
The BBC's Madeline Gerber (reporting on the story)

What action is being taken

The US Mint is currently selling gold-colored $1 coins featuring President Trump's image
Coins are being sold online in various quantities (25-coin rolls for $61 and 100-coin bags for $154.50)
The BBC is visiting the US Mint coin store and producing video coverage of the coin sales

Why it matters

This represents a significant departure from longstanding U.S. currency tradition, as federal regulations have historically restricted currency imagery to deceased individuals only. The decision to feature a sitting president on legal tender using an anniversary commemoration exception sets a notable precedent and raises questions about the boundaries between honoring national milestones and promoting current political figures on official government currency.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC