The $1 Trump coins are here. Why spending them is legal but tricky

The U.S.

Mint began selling $1 Trump coins Wednesday.

Why it matters: The Trump coin sits in a rare middle ground: The Mint is promoting it as a collectible, but under federal law, it has a face value of $1 and can be used as real money.

Driving the news: The U.S.

Mint says the Trump coins are now "in circulation, so check your pocket change." The coins can be purchased in 25-coin rolls for $61 and 100-coin bags for $154.50.

The U.S.

Mint's website says the coins have "circulating finishes but have never been placed into circulation.

However, they may be still used as legal tender." The big picture: Trump's coin has raised legal questions over whether a sitting president can appear on U.S. money.

Why the Trump coin is "legal tender" "Legal tender" refers to U.S. money that can pay debts, taxes, dues and public charges, according to federal law .

The U.S.

Mint deems the $1 Trump coin legal tender with a face value of $1, regardless of what a collector pays for it.

Yes, but: Legal tender doesn't guarantee every store will accept Trump coins.

Federal law generally lets private businesses decide what forms of payment they'll accept.

Americans have been reluctant to spend $1 coins.