Story perspectives

Senators Challenge Trump $1 Coin Over Living-Person Ban

9/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Mint launched a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump on September 2, 2026.
The obverse reads “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “1776 ~ 2026,” while the reverse shows the presidential seal and the number “250.”
Rolls of 25 sell for $61 and bags of 100 sell for $154.50, costing $1.55-$2.44 each.
Within hours, 25-coin rolls backordered and 100-coin bags unavailable, selling out quickly.
Senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen say the coin violates bans on living persons on U.S. currency.

History

Historical Context

The 1792 Coinage Act and later statutes required Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, forbidding portraits of living persons—a convention that lasted until the Lincoln cent introduced a real person in 1909. Senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen invoke that tradition to argue the 2026 Trump $1 commemorative, sold in 25-roll packs for $61, violates the historic rule.

1 of 2

Story summary

The U.S. Mint launched a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump on September 2, 2026.
The obverse reads “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “1776 ~ 2026,” while the reverse shows the presidential seal and the number “250.”
Rolls of 25 sell for $61 and bags of 100 sell for $154.50, costing $1.55-$2.44 each.
Within hours, 25-coin rolls backordered and 100-coin bags unavailable, selling out quickly.
Senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen say the coin violates bans on living persons on U.S. currency.

1 / 2