A federal panel consisting of members appointed by President Donald Trump on Thursday approved the design of a 24-carat commemorative gold coin bearing his image, as part of preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which advises federal agencies on design matters, voted unanimously to clear a proposal showing Trump in the Oval Office, with “1776” and “2026” inscribed on either side. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle.
The approval marks a procedural step, with the final decision resting with the U.S. Treasury Department, which considers inputs from both the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC).
Treasury holds final authority as advisory panel declines review
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach described the design as a “beautiful commemorative gold coin” and said the project reflects preparations for the country’s semiquincentennial.
“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,” Beach said in a statement.
Beach added that the U.S. Mint had offered the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee “multiple reasonable opportunities” to review the proposed design, but said the panel “expressly declined.”
“Accordingly, the Mint’s statutory obligation to seek CCAC review has been fulfilled,” he said, noting that the committee’s role is advisory and that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has “sole discretion on final design selection.”
Officials said the commemorative gold coin is being developed separately from a planned circulating $1 coin tied to the anniversary.
Design cleared after internal presentation to president
Megan Sullivan, acting chief in the office of design management at the U.S. Mint, told the Commission of Fine Arts that the coin was being developed under the Treasury secretary’s authority rather than specific anniversary legislation.
She said the design had been presented to Trump, who selected it from multiple options.
Members of the commission discussed the coin’s size and valuation during the meeting, with Sullivan indicating that the coins could be valued at hundreds of dollars. Final specifications, including size and denomination, have not yet been determined.
Legal framework cited by administration
According to New York Times, administration officials cited multiple statutory provisions to support the minting of coins bearing Trump’s image.
They pointed to Section 5112 of Chapter 31 of the U.S. Code, which allows the Treasury secretary to prescribe designs and specifications for gold coins at their discretion.
They also referenced the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which permits the Treasury to issue $1 coins in 2026 with designs “emblematic” of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Officials said the commemorative gold coin falls outside the scope of the 2020 law and is instead being authorised under broader Treasury powers.
Historical and legal backdrop on depicting individuals
U.S. law has traditionally limited the depiction of living individuals on currency. An 1866 statute known as the Thayer Amendment states that only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on U.S. currency and securities.
Administration officials have argued that commemorative coins differ from circulating currency or securities, and therefore fall outside the scope of that restriction.
Historically, only a limited number of individuals have appeared on U.S. currency while alive, reflecting long-standing norms dating back to the country’s founding, when leaders such as George Washington opposed imagery that could resemble monarchical symbolism.
Part of broader plan for anniversary coinage
The gold coin is one of at least three coins featuring Trump’s image that are under consideration, including a $1 coin intended for circulation.
The Treasury Department had earlier introduced draft designs in October for circulating coins tied to the semiquincentennial.
Officials said the commemorative gold coin would be produced alongside other special-issue coins authorised through legislation to mark the 250th anniversary.
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