Trump 24-karat gold coin approved by hand-picked federal panel

March 20, 2026

The US Commission of Fine Arts has unanimously approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring President Donald Trump's image to celebrate America's 250th anniversary on July 4th. The design depicts Trump with his fists against a desk, and while federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on currency, the coin is being issued under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's authority to mint proof gold coins. Trump previously replaced the commission's members with his allies after firing them last year.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (featured on the coin)
US Commission of Fine Arts members (approved the design)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (exercising minting authority)
US Mint (tasked with production)
Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres (proposed blocking legislation)
American public (recipients of commemorative coin for 250th anniversary)

What action is being taken

The US Commission of Fine Arts is voting unanimously to approve the coin design
The US Mint is producing final dimensions for the coin
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is exercising his authority and discretion to mint and issue proof gold coins

Why it matters

This coin represents a controversial departure from traditional presidential commemoration practices, as federal law typically prohibits living presidents from appearing on US currency. The approval raises questions about executive authority boundaries and potential conflicts of interest, particularly given Trump's replacement of commission members with allies. The coin also sets a significant precedent, as only Calvin Coolidge has previously appeared on US currency during his lifetime, making this an exceptional use of Treasury authority that could influence future presidential commemorations.

What's next

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to order the coin to be struck once the US Mint produces final dimensions.

Read full article from source: BBC