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The U.S. Mint is advancing with plans for a special gold medallion featuring President Donald Trump. This comes after a federal arts commission endorsed a design on Thursday, with Treasury department representatives invoking a legal provision that authorizes the portrayal of a current president, despite long-established constraints.
FOX Business received confirmation from a source familiar with the Commission of Fine Arts that the presented design is the one sanctioned by the committee, marking a crucial step toward the coin’s manufacture.
This development is noteworthy because federal legislation traditionally forbids living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency. However, Treasury officials contend that a distinct legal authority permits the issuance of gold coins that can depict the incumbent president, potentially diverging from prolonged precedent.
“As we draw closer to our 250th milestone, we are enthusiastic about preparing coins that embody the enduring spirit of our nation and its democratic principles. There is no visage more symbolic for the obverse of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach stated in an announcement provided to FOX Business.
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A proposed design for a Semiquincentennial commemorative gold coin showcasing U.S. President Donald Trump, depicted in this undated promotional image. The monochrome sketch illustrates the anticipated appearance of one side of the coin. (U.S. Mint/Handout via REUTERS / Reuters)
Beach further explained that the proposed commemorative gold coin would exist separately from circulating money and fall under the Treasury secretary’s purview.
“The Secretary holds exclusive authority over the final design selection,” the statement clarified, noting that the process included review opportunities offered to advisory panels.
This initiative would represent a rare occasion of a sitting U.S. president being depicted on a government-issued coin.
Treasury officials referenced a clause in federal statute, 31 U.S.C. § 5112, which empowers the secretary to approve bullion and proof gold coins with specifications, artwork, and inscriptions determined at their discretion.
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Visitors observe the depiction of U.S. President Donald Trump, captured by official White House photographer Daniel Torok, which serves as the foundation for a proposed U.S. Mint semiquincentennial commemorative gold coin design, on display at the Smithsonian National Port (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Reuters)
The authority permits coins to be produced “in accordance with such designs… and inscriptions as the Secretary… may determine periodically,” according to the law cited by Treasury department representatives.
The Treasury’s announcement also mentioned that the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) chose not to review the proposed designs, while the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) “has taken every chance to review them so far.”
Officials confirmed that the Mint fulfilled its legal duty to seek CCAC’s input, despite the panel’s decision not to offer an opinion on the designs.
The approved artwork portrays Trump in a business suit and necktie with a serious expression, leaning forward with his hands resting on a desk in a commanding posture, according to documents presented to the commission.
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President Donald Trump addresses attendees during a news conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, on March 9, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The coin features “LIBERTY” at the top and the years “1776–2026,” commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The reverse side is anticipated to feature a bald eagle in flight alongside customary inscriptions including “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The Associated Press initially reported that the Commission of Fine Arts endorsed the design without opposition during its March assembly on Thursday.
This undertaking signifies a departure from conventional practice, as U.S. currency has historically refrained from depicting living persons, although commemorative and bullion coins operate under distinct regulations.
Officials noted that the coin will be part of a restricted production run, with final particulars regarding its dimensions and face value still under consideration.
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The coin is linked to the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities in 2026, with Treasury officials presenting the endeavor as part of a broader initiative to commemorate the significant occasion.
The White House did not immediately reply to FOX Business’ inquiry for comment.