Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe U.S. Mint plans to issue $1 coins featuring President Donald Trump's portrait and paper money with his signature, raising questions about federal laws against depicting living individuals on currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the $1 coins are permissible under a 2020 law authorizing designs commemorating America's 250th anniversary. Bessent, whose signature will also appear on money, cited a 1926 Calvin Coolidge coin issued during his presidency as a precedent for featuring living persons on commemorative coins. The administration is utilizing the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 to authorize the $1 coins, which the Treasury secretary can issue for one year starting in January 2026. The Commission of Fine Arts reviewed designs, and the U.S. Mint confirmed that legal research determined the proposed coin would not violate any existing laws. In fullTrump’s face appears on $1 coin and his signature on the $100 bill as his team challenges the lawMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the $1 coins featuring Trump’s face were allowed under legislation to mark America’s 250th anniversary

The Treasury Secretary’s post appeared to show a Semiquincentennial coin meant for circulation rather than the commemorative design approved by a federal arts panel.

Federal law prohibits putting any living people on U.S. coins.

US Mint to issue a gold-colored $1 coin honoring Trump, despite legal gray areas.