Treasury Defends Minting a $1 Trump Coin Despite 1866 Law

The U.S. Treasury Department has come out in defense of its decision to mint a $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump's likeness, despite a long-standing law that appears to prohibit such a move. According to the Treasury, a 2020 collectible coinage law provides the necessary exemption, allowing a living person to appear on U.S. currency.The law in question, which dates back to 1866, stipulates that only deceased individuals can be featured on coins and currency. However, the Treasury Department argues that the 2020 law, which authorizes the production of collectible coins, effectively overrides this restriction.The new $1 coin, which is set to be released as a collectible item, bears Trump's image on one side and a unique design on the other. While details about the coin's design and production are still scarce, the Treasury Department has confirmed that it will be available for purchase by the public.The decision to mint a coin featuring a living person's likeness has sparked controversy among numismatists, politicians, and the general public. Critics argue that the move undermines the long-standing tradition of only featuring deceased individuals on U.S. currency.The Treasury Department, however, remains firm in its decision, citing the 2020 law as justification for the coin's production. As the debate surrounding the coin continues, one thing is clear: the introduction of this new collectible coin has stirred up a heated discussion about the rules and traditions governing U.S. currency.The coin's release is also likely to fuel further controversy, given Trump's polarizing figure and the ongoing debate about his legacy. Nevertheless, the Treasury Department appears committed to seeing the project through, with the coin expected to be made available to collectors in the near future.As the U.S. government continues to navigate the complexities of producing currency and collectible coins, one thing is certain: the introduction of this new $1 coin will have far-reaching implications for the world of numismatics and beyond.