Donald Trump is officially on the money. Literally.
The U.S. Mint released a new $1 coin featuring Trump’s face Wednesday—and if you want one, you’ll have to pay more than a dollar for it.
The Mint announced that the 2026 President Donald J. Trump $1 Coin would be available for purchase at noon ET, selling the coins for $2.45 each.
“Available for purchase today at 12PM ET: 2026 President Donald J. Trump $1 Coin,” the Mint said on X. “These coins are also in circulation, so check your pocket change. Collect them today!”
So, yes: It’s a $1 coin.
And the government is selling it to collectors for $2.45.
The Treasury Department announced the coin in July as part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump, approved the design earlier this year.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the coin as a tribute to “the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism.”
“Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all,” Bessent said.
Trump, meanwhile, seemed delighted.
He told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that putting his face on a coin was “very unusual,” but said he was “honored by it.”
“It’s very cute they gave me a coin,” Trump said.
Cute, indeed.
The coin features Trump in a suit and tie, staring sternly into the distance. Above him is the word LIBERTY, with 1776–2026 below it and IN GOD WE TRUSTacross the center.
Flip it over and you’ll find the traditional bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States.
In other words, one side is the United States.
The other side is Donald Trump.
And that’s where things get a little weird.
Trump has never exactly been shy about putting his name and likeness on things.
During his presidency, his administration pushed to rename the U.S. Institute of Peace after him. The Kennedy Center was also renamed for Trump after his allies took control of the institution. And a new class of battleships has been named after him.
Now there’s a Trump coin.
And not just a commemorative medal or a private collectible.
A coin issued by the United States Mint.
The move has drawn criticism because federal law generally prohibits putting the image of a living president on U.S. currency. There are, however, different rules governing commemorative and circulating coins, and the Treasury secretary has authority over the minting and issuance of coins in certain circumstances.
The final coin also isn’t exactly the design Americans were shown earlier this year.
The original version showed Trump leaning forward with his fists resting on what appeared to be a desk.
The final version removes the desk and the fists, leaving a much more conventional portrait.
The Treasury Department hasn’t explained why the final design was changed.
But the Trump administration’s interest in putting the president’s name and signature on America’s financial institutions goes beyond coins.
In March, the Treasury Department announced that Trump’s signature would appear on new U.S. paper currency.
Traditionally, American paper money carries the signatures of the Treasury secretary and the treasurer—not the president.
But apparently, tradition needed a little Trump branding.
And, of course, the internet had thoughts. Lots of them.
The coin’s release triggered an avalanche of mockery online, with people posting doctored images and jokes imagining what other Trump-themed coins might look like.
Some featured Jeffrey Epstein.
Others mocked Trump’s economic record, including high gas prices.
Some referenced Trump’s infamous letter to Epstein.
Because if you’re going to put a president on the nation’s currency, apparently the internet is going to start asking what else belongs on the other side.
The jokes practically write themselves.
And that’s the strange thing about the Trump coin.
The official explanation is patriotism. Liberty. American values. The 250th anniversary of the United States.
But Trump has spent decades turning his own name into a brand.
Trump Tower. Trump hotels. Trump golf courses. Trump merchandise. Trump’s name on buildings, products, campaigns and political fundraising appeals.
Now his face is on a U.S. coin.
And the government wants you to pay $2.45 for the privilege of owning a dollar.
There is something almost perfectly Trumpian about that.
Check out the Mint’s X post and the reactions here.
