Donald Trump’s portrait has made its way on to a US coin – the latest move by the president to put his personal stamp on American institutions.
On Wednesday, the US Mint launched the $1 coin with a portrait of Trump alongside the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The Mint said the coins were not being put into circulation, but they may be used as legal tender.
Federal law prohibits a living president from appearing on US currency, but a design clause in legislation for the anniversary was used to overcome the ban.
The coins – priced at $61 (£45) for a roll of 25 and $154.50 for a bag of 100 – were “not currently in stock” on the mint’s website within hours of going on sale. They were also being sold in vending machines at the US Mint store in Washington DC.
The BBC has contacted the US Mint, the Treasury and the White House for further details.
The coin has been “created to celebrate this historic national milestone” with a “once-in-a-generation anniversary design destined to become a standout addition to modern collections”, the US Mint said.
While the coins have a golden colour they do not contain any actual gold. According to the US Mint, they are 88.5% copper with the balance being made up of zinc, manganese and nickel.
