The United States may soon mint a $1 coin featuring the image of President Trump to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's independence, as revealed by a spokesperson from the Treasury Department to Axios on Friday. This potential coin design raises significant questions regarding the legalities surrounding the depiction of living presidents on U.S. currency.
Under federal law, specifically outlined in 31 U.S. Code § 5112, the issuance of coins bearing the image of a living president is generally prohibited. The statute states that no coin can feature the likeness of a living current or former president, nor can it depict any deceased former president within two years of their death. This has sparked debate about whether the proposed design could navigate or contravene these established rules.
Additionally, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 imposes further restrictions on anniversary-specific coins, including the proposed $1 coin for the nation’s birthday. According to this act, no head and shoulders portrait or bust of any individual, whether living or deceased, is permitted on such coins.
Interestingly, the only instance of a U.S. coin depicting a sitting president occurred during the administration of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, who issued a half-dollar coin featuring both himself and George Washington. This historical context highlights the rarity of such occurrences and underscores the legal challenges that may arise in minting a coin featuring a living president.
Treasurer Brandon Beach recently shared a draft of the proposed coin on X, eagerly anticipating further announcements once the current government shutdown is resolved. A Treasury spokesperson expressed optimism regarding the initial draft, stating, "While a final $1 coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States' semiquincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles."
During a press briefing at the White House on Friday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if President Trump had reviewed the draft design of the coin, indicating that the discussions surrounding this potential minting are still ongoing.
As the nation approaches its semquicentennial celebration, the prospect of a $1 coin featuring President Trump's image presents a fascinating intersection of tradition, law, and modern political discourse. The outcome of this initiative could pave the way for a new chapter in U.S. currency history.
