U.S. Mint Approved to Produce Trump Commemorative Gold Coin

The 24-karat gold coin will feature a stern-looking image of the former president to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:39am

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The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are supporters of former President Donald Trump, has approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Trump's image. The vote clears the way for the U.S. Mint to begin production on the coin, whose size and denomination are still under discussion. The unprecedented move marks another example of Trump and his allies circumventing past presidential practices to get what they want.

Why it matters

This decision to mint a commemorative coin featuring a living president is highly unusual, as federal law prohibits the use of a living president's image on U.S. currency. The move highlights the Trump administration's willingness to bend rules and norms to promote the former president's legacy.

The details

The coin's front features a stern-looking image of Trump in a suit and tie, with his fists resting on what appears to be a desk as he leans forward. The reverse side depicts a bald eagle in mid-flight. The Mint is considering a larger size for the coin, potentially up to 3 inches in diameter, to cater to Trump's preference for 'big things'.

  • The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the final design on March 20, 2026.
  • The coin is being produced to commemorate America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

The players

U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

A federal arts commission whose members are supporters of former President Donald Trump and were appointed by him earlier this year.

Brandon Beach

The U.S. Treasurer, who said the coin will represent the 'enduring spirit of our country and democracy' with Trump's profile being 'emblematic' for the front.

Megan Sullivan

The acting chief of the Office of Design Management at the U.S. Mint, who presented the coin's final design to the commission.

Chamberlain Harris

A top White House aide to Trump, who said the 'strong and tough image' of the former president is 'fitting' for the commemorative coin.

James McCrery II

A commissioner who was the architect on Trump's design proposal for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to the White House.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brandon Beach, U.S. Treasurer

“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.”

— Chamberlain Harris, Top White House Aide to Trump

“I think the larger the better. The largest of that circulation, I think, would be his preference.”

— Chamberlain Harris, Top White House Aide to Trump

What’s next

The U.S. Mint will now determine the final size and denomination of the commemorative Trump gold coin, with the goal of having it available for the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This decision to mint a commemorative coin featuring a living president is highly unusual and highlights the Trump administration's willingness to bend rules and norms to promote the former president's legacy, even years after leaving office. It raises questions about the appropriate use of government resources and the role of the presidency in shaping the historical record.