Trump makes history as first living US president to appear on currency in a century
By Trizer Lijondo, September 4, 2026US President Donald Trump has made history after his portrait was featured on a new US $1 (approximately Ksh 129.06) coin commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
The special coin, issued by the United States Mint, carries Trump’s image on the obverse alongside the inscriptions “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1776 ~ 2026″.
According to the United States Mint, the coin is part of America’s Semiquincentennial celebrations, marking 250 years since the country declared independence.
The development has attracted attention because living presidents have traditionally not appeared on US currency.
Trump’s portrait takes centre stage
The new $1 (approximately Ksh 129.06) coin features a portrait of Trump, with the design created by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. The portrait was inspired by an official White House photograph taken by photographer Daniel Torok.
On the reverse side is the Great Seal of the United States, featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows.
The coin also carries the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” together with references to the country’s 250th anniversary.
The US Mint said the special coins are being made available to collectors through rolls of 25 and bags of 100. The coins are legal tender and are expected to enter general circulation later this year.
The Associated Press reported on September 2, 2026, that the gold-finish version of the coin had gone on sale as the Trump administration moved to commemorate the historic anniversary.
A break from a century-old tradition
Trump’s appearance marks a significant departure from the long-standing practice surrounding living presidents and US currency.
The US Mint’s historical records show that presidential portraits became common on circulating American coins following the deaths of presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
However, there has been an exception involving a living president. Former President Calvin Coolidge appeared on a commemorative coin in 1926 while he was still in office.
That means Trump’s appearance on the new coin comes roughly a century after Coolidge’s.
The United States Mint says the 2026 coin programme is intended to celebrate the nation’s 250-year journey and incorporate designs connected to the country’s history.
The Trump $1 (approximately Ksh 129.06) coin is therefore not only a commemorative item but also an unusual chapter in the history of American currency, putting the sitting president’s portrait on a legal-tender coin while he remains in office.