$61 cost of 25 one-dollar Trump coins minted for American heritage event
The US Mint is releasing approximately 9 million $1 coins featuring Donald Trump's image, a move that defies a 1866 law banning living people on currency and costs the taxpayer $61 for every quarter dozen.
President Donald Trump has approved the release of roughly 9 million one-dollar coins bearing his likeness. The US Mint states these coins will honor 250 years of American heritage, but they are being manufactured despite a 1866 amendment by Congress that explicitly bars portraits of living people from currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the event during the 150th anniversary of American independence as justification for the release. The coins cost approximately $61 to purchase a set of 25, making them expensive for collectors compared to standard paper money. Critics argue the decision violates established law by placing an image of a living person on legal tender, yet production is proceeding anyway. The Mint confirms about 9 million units are being made.
