WASHINGTON, D.C.: The final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing President Donald Trump's image to help celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4 was approved by a federal arts commission on March 19.
If done, Trump will break with tradition and, probably, the law to become the first living president to appear on American currency.
The members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, all of whom are Trump supporters and were appointed by him earlier this year, passed the resolution without objection. The U.S. Mint can now begin production on the coin, whose size and denomination are still under discussion.
"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," U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement.
This unusual move is another example of Donald Trump and his allies breaking from normal presidential traditions — and possibly even legal limits — to achieve their goals. It also adds to a series of efforts where Trump has attached his name or image to national institutions, such as renaming the United States Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center, and even a new group of battleships.
U.S. law says that no living president can appear on currency. However, Megan Sullivan from the Mint said the Treasury secretary has the power to approve special 24-karat gold coins. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used this authority to work around the rule and place Trump's image on a coin.
Sullivan showed the final design at a meeting in March and said Trump personally approved it. She explained that the Treasury secretary had shown several designs to the president, who chose this one.
The White House and the Mint did not respond to requests for comment.
The front of the coin shows Trump wearing a suit and tie, with a serious expression, leaning forward, his fists resting on what appears to be a desk. The word "LIBERTY" appears at the top, along with the dates 1776–2026. At the bottom are the words "IN GOD WE TRUST," with stars on both sides.
The back of the coin shows a bald eagle in flight, along with the phrases "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
Commissioner Chamberlain Harris, a senior White House aide, said the strong image suits a sitting president leading the country during its 250th anniversary, making it appropriate for a commemorative coin.
The coin will be produced in very limited numbers, though the exact quantity, size, and value have not yet been decided. Some officials suggested making it as large as possible, noting Trump's preference for big designs.
The Mint, which is part of the Treasury Department, is considering a size larger than its standard one-ounce gold coin. Its biggest coin is about three inches wide, and the new coin may fall somewhere in that range.
Commissioner James McCrery II, who worked on a large ballroom design proposal for the White House, said Trump tends to favor large projects. Harris agreed, saying the president would likely prefer the biggest coin size available.
Pictured - The approved design of the 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump to be issued to celebrate America's 250th birthday on 4th July 2026. | Credit: U.S. Mint
