By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A federal arts panel on Thursday approved the final design for a 24‑karat gold commemorative coin bearing the image of President Donald Trump to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted without objection to advance the design, clearing the way for the U.S. Mint to begin producing the coin ahead of the July 4 semiquincentennial celebrations. The coin’s final size, denomination and production volume have not yet been determined.
Commission members, all of whom were appointed by Trump earlier this year and are supporters of the Republican president, endorsed the design during the panel’s March meeting.
Read More on News
...
Coin Advances Despite Restrictions on Living Presidents
Federal law generally prohibits living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency. However, Treasury officials said the secretary of the Treasury has authority to authorize certain commemorative coins outside of standard circulating currency.
Megan Sullivan, acting chief of the Office of Design Management at the U.S. Mint, told commissioners that the Treasury secretary approved the coin’s issuance and that Trump personally selected the final design.
“It is my understanding that the secretary of the Treasury presented this design, as well as others, to the president and these were his selection,” Sullivan said.
The White House and the Mint did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Design Features Trump Portrait and Patriotic Symbols
The front of the coin features Trump in a suit and tie, leaning forward with his fists resting on what is intended to resemble a desk. The image portrays the president with a stern expression.
The word “LIBERTY” arcs across the top of the coin, with the dates “1776–2026” centered below it. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears along the bottom edge, flanked by 13 stars — seven on one side and six on the other — representing the original colonies.
The reverse side depicts a bald eagle in midflight. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear on one side of the eagle, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed on the other.
Commissioners Praise Symbolism and Timing
Commissioners described the design as appropriate for the country’s milestone anniversary and for a sitting president presiding over the celebration.
“I know it’s a very strong and a very tough image of him, and I think it’s fitting to have a current sitting president who’s presiding over the country over the 250th year on a commemorative coin for said year,” said Commissioner Chamberlain Harris, a senior White House aide.
Harris serves as a special assistant to the president and deputy director of the Oval Office.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach echoed that sentiment in a statement, calling the design emblematic of the country’s enduring spirit.
“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.
Size and Production Details Still Undecided
Sullivan told the commission that the coin will be produced in a “very limited” run, though officials have not finalized the number of coins or their denomination.
Commissioners debated the physical size of the coin, with several advocating for a larger format.
The Mint’s standard 1‑ounce gold coin measures about 1.3 inches in diameter, while its largest coins reach up to 3 inches. Sullivan said the Trump commemorative coin is likely to fall somewhere within that range.
‘The Larger the Better,’ Commissioners Say
Some commissioners cited Trump’s preference for large‑scale projects when arguing for the biggest possible coin.
“I think the president likes big things,” said Commissioner James McCrery II, an architect who also designed a proposed 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom addition to the White House. The commission approved that proposal in February.
Harris agreed, telling McCrery that Trump would likely favor the largest allowable size.
“I think the larger the better,” she said. “The largest of that circulation, I think, would be his preference.”
The U.S. Mint, which operates under the Treasury Department, is expected to continue refining the coin’s specifications as production moves forward.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines