Democracy Dies in Darkness
Most leaders featured on over 1,000 of the world’s banknotes and coins are monarchs. However, the U.S. Mint has begun production of a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump’s image. This announcement comes from the Treasury Department.
July 20, 2026 by Jacques Hymans, The Conversation
The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news organization, aims to present readers with factual analysis from researchers and scientists, helping them navigate complex issues.
A slang term for cash money is “dead presidents.” Yet, President Donald Trump, who is still alive, might now appear on U.S. coins and banknotes.
Since Trump returned to power in 2025, there has been a concerted effort by his administration to display the president’s face and name on various items. This includes federal buildings and national park passes. Featuring him on U.S. currency would be the pinnacle of this campaign.
The circulating value of physical U.S. currency currently stands at over $2.46 trillion, which is a record high.