In a historic move that marks a break from a century of tradition, former President Donald Trump has become the first living U.S. president to appear on an American circulating commemorative coin, launched by the U.S. Mint to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The special-edition $1 coin bears Trump’s portrait alongside the iconic national phrase “In God we trust”, a design crafted to honor the landmark national milestone. According to official statements from the U.S. Mint, the commemorative piece captures “the spirit, pride, and legacy of a nation approaching its landmark anniversary”, framing the coin as a once-in-a-generation collectible set to become a standout addition to modern numismatic collections. Demand for the new coin outstripped supply almost immediately after it went on sale: within just hours of the launch, the U.S. Mint’s official website listed the coin as out of stock, with pricing set at $61 for a roll of 25 coins and $154.50 for a 100-coin bag. The BBC has reached out to the U.S. Mint, the Treasury Department, and the White House for further comment on sales volumes and production plans. This coin launch follows an earlier announcement from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent back in May, where he confirmed the department was also planning to issue a new $250 banknote bearing Trump’s portrait. That proposal, however, has hit a legislative snag: current federal law prohibits printing U.S. currency that features the image of a living person, and while Trump’s congressional allies have introduced legislation to carve out an exception for the anniversary, the bill remains stalled in proceedings. Proponents of the new coin and the planned banknote have pushed back on legal concerns by pointing to historical precedent. Back in 1926, when the U.S. celebrated its 150th anniversary, a commemorative half-dollar was issued featuring then-sitting President Calvin Coolidge, the last living president to appear on U.S. currency before Trump. Additionally, the Trump administration has cited the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, a statute passed during Trump’s first term in office. While that law prohibits portraits of living individuals from appearing on the reverse (tails side) of circulating collectible coins, it does not explicitly extend that ban to the obverse (heads side) — the side of the new $1 coin where Trump’s portrait is placed. Legal experts also note that the 1866 Thayer Amendment, which prohibits portraits of living people on U.S. banknotes, has never traditionally been interpreted to apply to coinage, clearing the way for the commemorative issue. The launch has sparked widespread interest among both collectors and political observers, as the unprecedented placement of a living former president on a widely available coin adds a unique political footnote to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.