The United States Commission of Fine Arts has approved the design of a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The decision allows the U.S. Mint to begin production, although the size and denomination of the coin are still under discussion.
The vote, which took place without opposition, involved members appointed by Trump earlier this year. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach expressed enthusiasm for the design, stating that it embodies the enduring spirit of the nation and democracy. He noted, “There is no more symbolic profile for the obverse of such coins than that of our current president, Donald J. Trump.”
Federal law prohibits the depiction of a living president on U.S. currency. However, Megan Sullivan, the acting head of the U.S. Mint’s design management division, indicated that the Secretary of the Treasury has the authority to permit the minting and issuance of certain coins. Sullivan remarked, “As far as I understand, the Secretary of the Treasury presented this and other projects to the president, and it was his choice.”
The final design was presented at a commission meeting on March 19 and has received Trump’s approval. The obverse of the coin features Trump in a suit and tie, leaning forward with a serious expression, resting his fists on what appears to be a table.
The upper half of the coin is inscribed with the word “Liberty,” while the dates “1776” and “2026” are placed directly beneath it. The phrase “In God We Trust” appears at the bottom, accompanied by seven stars on one side and six on the other.
The reverse side depicts a bald eagle in flight, with the words “United States of America” on the right and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” on the left. Sullivan noted that the coin will be released in a “very limited edition,” although the exact quantity has yet to be determined. Some commissioners have expressed a preference for a larger coin, reflecting Trump’s penchant for grandiosity.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has approved a gold commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump, celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. The design allows the U.S. Mint to begin production, despite federal laws regarding the depiction of living presidents on currency.
Source: The Guardian