A federal arts commission has approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Donald Trump’s image, intended to celebrate the US’s 250th birthday on 4 July 2026. The US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump earlier this year, voted without objection on Thursday, clearing the way for the US Mint to begin production. The coin’s size and denomination remain under discussion.
Federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on US currency. However, Megan Sullivan, acting chief of the office of design management at the Mint, stated that the treasury secretary has authority to authorise the minting and issuance of certain coins. She presented the final design at the commission’s March meeting and confirmed that Trump had approved it.
The front of the coin depicts Trump in a suit and tie with a stern expression, leaning forward with his fists on a desk. Lettering spells “Liberty” in an arc above, with the dates “1776” and “2026” below. The words “In God We Trust” appear at the bottom, flanked by stars. The reverse side shows a bald eagle in mid-flight, with “United States of America” on the right and “E Pluribus Unum” on the left.
Commissioner Chamberlain Harris, a top White House aide, described the image as “very strong and very tough” and fitting for a sitting president presiding over the 250th anniversary. Commissioner James McCrery II, who worked on Trump’s design for a White House ballroom addition, advocated for the largest possible coin size, noting Trump’s fondness for big things. Harris agreed, stating, “I think the larger the better.”
The coin will be part of a “very limited production run,” Sullivan said, though the exact number has not been determined. The US treasurer, Brandon Beach, expressed enthusiasm for the coin, calling it emblematic of the country’s enduring spirit.
