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US Mint releases Trump $1 coin

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The gist

US Mint released 250,000 Trump $1 coins on Sept. 2, priced $61-$154.50.
First living person on US currency in over a century, sold out in hours.

Background

The US Mint released a $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump's portrait to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. It is the first time in over a century that a living person has appeared on US currency. The coin was announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in July and went on sale September 2, 2026.

How it unfolded

  1. Jul 15, 2026Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US Mint would strike $1 coins featuring Trump's portrait.
  2. Sep 2, 2026US Mint released 250,000 Trump $1 coins in rolls and bags, priced between $61 and $154.50. Website saw high traffic and placed visitors on a waiting list.
  3. Sep 2, 2026Coins sold out within hours of release.

Who’s saying what

Official
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that living people's images can be placed on coins, citing a Calvin Coolidge coin from the 150th anniversary.
Public
Collectors and buyers caused the US Mint website to experience 'extraordinary high traffic' and placed visitors on a waiting list.

Sources

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