The US Mint plans to issue a commemorative $1 coin with President Donald Trump’s image on both sides, despite the fact that living presidents are usually not featured on currency. The 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act authorizes redesigns of quarters, half dollars, and $1 coins, including a series commemorating the US’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
According to the White House, the design features Trump’s side profile on one side and an illustration of him pumping his fist after a 2024 assassination attempt on the other. The phrase “Fight Fight Fight” lines the coin’s perimeter.
However, there is no specific law banning living presidents from being portrayed on US-minted coins. A 2007 series honoring every president specifies that no coin may bear the image of a living former or current president during the two-year period following their death. But this barrier does not apply to all future series.
The guidance governing the proposed Trump coin comes from the same law, which refers specifically to the reverse side: “No head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, may be included in the design on the reverse of any coin.” But it doesn’t rule out a portrait on the front.
Historically, there have been instances of living people being featured on US currency, including President Abraham Lincoln’s image on paper currency during the Civil War. However, such instances are rare and usually involve exploiting loopholes in existing laws.
In 2025, Liberia produced a $1 commemorative coin with Trump’s image on it, sparking debate about whether the proposed design would be acceptable. The fate of the Trump plan remains uncertain until Congress acts or an administration official decides to proceed without legislative approval.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/8/is-it-legal-for-trump-to-put-his-picture-on-us-mint-dollar-coin