A federal arts panel, composed of members appointed by former President Donald Trump, has approved the creation of a 24-carat gold coin featuring his image. The decision was announced Thursday and marks another high-profile effort by Trump to place his name and likeness on government programs and currency during his second term, which began in January 2025.
Largest Coin in Series
The coin will be part of a series produced by the U.S. Mint to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. During a presentation to the Commission of Fine Arts, officials discussed the coin’s diameter, which could reach up to three inches (7.6 cm).
White House aide Chamberlain Harris, appointed to the commission this year, commented, “The larger the better,” reflecting Trump’s preference for a prominent depiction. The approved design shows a stern-looking Trump leaning over a desk, based on a photograph displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Government and Treasury Support
The U.S. Mint will finalize the coin’s dimensions, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to authorize its production. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach described the coin as representing “the enduring spirit of our country and democracy,” calling Trump’s profile “emblematic” of the nation’s 250-year celebration.
Criticism and Legal Questions
The proposed coin has sparked criticism from Democrats and federal arts committees. Senator Jeff Merkley argued, “Monarchs and dictators put their faces on coins, not leaders of a democracy.” Meanwhile, Donald Scarinci of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee noted that this coin differs from previous presidential commemorative coins, such as the 1926 Calvin Coolidge coin, because it will be larger and feature Trump alone.
Additionally, the administration has proposed a $1 circulating coin featuring Trump. Legal experts have raised concerns, citing laws that prohibit the depiction of sitting or recently serving presidents on circulating coins until three years after their death. The gold coin, however, is a non-circulating collector coin, potentially creating a legal loophole.
Trump’s Broader Personal Branding Efforts
Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump has placed his name and image on multiple federal initiatives, including:
- Washington buildings
- Planned Navy warships
- A visa program for wealthy foreigners
- A government prescription drug website
- Federal savings accounts for children
These efforts continue to generate controversy and public debate over the use of presidential branding on government property and currency.
