US arts commission approves gold coin stamped with Donald Trump’s face

In March 2026, the US Commission of Fine Arts approved a commemorative gold coin featuring Donald Trump's presidential portrait. The commission, comprised of Trump appointees, unanimously approved the coin, despite legal questions surrounding depicting a living president on currency. While federal law prohibits living presidents on US currency intended for circulation, this coin is intended as a commemorative item. The Trump administration has also reportedly advanced plans for a $1 coin featuring Trump, which has faced criticism and resistance from the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The gold coin will feature a bald eagle on one side and Trump's portrait on the other, based on a photograph in the National Portrait Gallery.

A US federal arts commission, comprised of Trump appointees, approved the design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump's image to celebrate the US's 250th birthday in 2026. The US Mint will produce the coin, authorized by the Treasury Secretary, despite laws preventing living presidents from appearing on currency. The coin's design includes a stern portrait of Trump on the front, along with "Liberty," "1776-2026," and "In God We Trust," while the reverse features a bald eagle. The coin's size, denomination, and the number to be produced are yet to be determined, but it will be a limited run.

A panel appointed by Donald Trump unanimously approved a commemorative gold coin featuring his image. The decision has drawn criticism, with some arguing that minting a coin with a sitting president's image goes against American values, particularly during the nation's 250th anniversary. The Commission of Fine Arts discussed the coin's size, with a Trump appointee suggesting the largest possible diameter. The US Mint will finalize the dimensions, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to order the coin's production after Trump approved the design.