Summary
A federal arts commission approved a design for a 24-karat gold coin featuring President Donald Trump, intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The decision raised legal questions since current laws prohibit living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency, but it proceeded with the authority of the Treasury Secretary. The coin will be prepared for minting once its final dimensions are decided.
Key Facts
- A 24-karat gold coin with President Donald Trump's image has been approved to mark America's 250th birthday.
- The coin design shows Trump with his fists on a desk.
- The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts unanimously approved the coin design after a presentation by the U.S. Mint.
- U.S. law typically prevents living presidents from being on currency, but the Treasury Secretary has the discretion to issue this coin.
- The commission suggested making the coin up to three inches in diameter.
- President Trump replaced members of the Commission of Fine Arts with his allies last year.
- A proposed bill, the Trump Act, aimed to stop presidents from minting coins with their own images, but it has not passed.
- Until now, Calvin Coolidge was the only U.S. president featured on a coin while still alive.
