Federal Arts Commission Approves Trump Commemorative Coin Design
A federal arts commission has given the green light for a 24-karat gold coin featuring President Donald Trump, set to commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, composed of members appointed by Trump, unanimously approved the design, allowing the U.S. Mint to proceed with production. Although the coin’s size and denomination are still under consideration, this decision marks a significant step in the process.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and there is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump.”
This move is yet another instance of President Trump leaving his mark on historical archives, following previous actions such as renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center performing arts venue. Federal law typically prohibits living presidents from being depicted on U.S. currency; however, the Treasury secretary holds the authority to authorize new 24-karat gold coins, which has been used to feature Trump on this commemorative coin.
Megan Sullivan, acting chief of the Office of Design Management at the Mint, presented the final coin design at the commission’s March meeting. According to Sullivan, President Trump personally approved the design, which depicts him in a suit and tie, with a stern expression and fists resting on a desk. The coin also features the word “LIBERTY,” the dates 1776-2026, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and thirteen stars.
The reverse side of the coin showcases a bald eagle in flight, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed. Commissioner Chamberlain Harris, a top aide to Trump, remarked on the coin’s strong imagery, stating that it is fitting for a sitting president during the 250th year of the nation.
Although the coin will have a limited production run, the exact number has not been determined. The size of the coin is also under discussion, with some commissioners advocating for a larger size to align with Trump’s preference for grandeur. The largest current coin at the Mint is 3 inches in diameter, and the Trump coin may fall within this range.
Commissioner James McCrery II, involved in the design proposal for a White House ballroom expansion, noted Trump’s affinity for large-scale projects. “I think the president likes big things,” he said, with agreement from Harris, who serves as a special assistant to the president in the White House.
