Trump gold-colored coins hit the U.S. Mint’s site. Then they sold out within hours: ‘Own a piece of American history’

The U.S. Mint put gold-colored $1 coins bearing President Donald Trump’s image on its website at noon on Wednesday. The Trump administration promoted the release as a chance to “own a piece of American History.” Hours later, the Mint’s website indicated the coins were no longer available to buy.

According to The Hill, the 25-coin roll, listed at $61, appeared as “currently on backorder.” The 100-coin bag, listed at $154, appeared as “currently unavailable.”

Buyers faced a cap of 150,000 rolls and 50,000 bags. Until Thursday afternoon, each household could order no more than two rolls or two bags.

Front and back designs mark 250 years of independence

Trump’s image appears on the front of the coin, along with the words “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and “1776 ~ 2026.” The back carries the presidential seal and the number “250,” which the Mint said honors the nation’s semiquincentennial this year.

A “July 4” privy mark appears on some coins that were mixed at random into the rolls and bags. The Mint said that the mark shows the coin was struck on Independence Day. The coin is part of broader celebrations of the nation’s history, such as the upcoming 250th anniversary.

The Philadelphia Mint produced every coin in the release. The U.S. Mint said the coin “captures the spirit, pride, and legacy of a nation approaching its landmark anniversary.” The coin’s face value is $1, and it can be used as legal tender. The coin’s release has sparked broader interest in the 250th anniversary, though not all associated events have been welcomed.

Questions have been raised about whether a sitting president may appear on U.S. currency. Under the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, commemorative coins may feature deceased presidents. The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 restricts the likeness of living people on a coin’s tails side.

The Treasury Department argued the issue is lawful because the 2020 statute allows “designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.”

In a July statement posted on X, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the coin 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,” he wrote.