A federal commission for the arts, composed of members appointed by Donald Trump, has unanimously approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring the former president. The decision, made on Thursday, paves the way for the U.S. Mint to begin production of the coin, intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

A Portrait on Gold: The Design and Approval Process

The approved design depicts President Trump in the Oval Office, with “1776” on one side and “2026” on the other. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach described the coin as a “beautiful commemorative gold coin,” emphasizing its representation of the “enduring spirit of our country and democracy.”

The Commission of Fine Arts’ vote was without objection. However, the approval process wasn’t without contention. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), a federal panel with a wider range of members, declined to review proposed designs, despite multiple opportunities presented by the U.S. Mint. According to Treasurer Beach, the Mint fulfilled its obligation to seek CCAC review, and the committee’s role is advisory only.

Circumventing Tradition and Legal Boundaries

This move is considered unprecedented, as it circumvents conventional presidential practices. Federal law generally prohibits depicting living presidents on U.S. Currency. However, the Trump administration is utilizing the authority to authorize the minting of 24-karat gold coins to bypass this prohibition. This represents in addition to efforts to put Trump’s face on a $1 coin, which also faces legal scrutiny.

Critics have denounced the initiatives as unlawful and inappropriate. Senator Jeff Merkley stated, “Monarchs and dictators put their faces on coins, not leaders of a democracy.”

Expanding the Trump Brand: A Pattern of Commemoration

The gold coin is the latest in a series of actions taken by President Trump and his allies to prominently feature his name and likeness in historical records. Previous examples include renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center, and a new class of battleships.

Future Trends: Presidential Commemoratives and Collectible Currency

The approval of this coin raises questions about the future of presidential commemoratives and collectible currency. Whereas commemorative coins are not uncommon, the circumstances surrounding this particular coin – a commission comprised solely of Trump appointees and the circumvention of existing laws – set a new precedent.

Several potential trends could emerge:

• Increased Demand for Collectibles: The controversy surrounding the coin may drive up demand among collectors, both supporters and detractors.
• Legal Challenges: Further attempts to depict living presidents on currency could face legal challenges, potentially leading to clearer guidelines or stricter enforcement of existing laws.
• Shift in Commemorative Practices: Future administrations may adopt similar strategies for commemorating presidents, potentially leading to a more frequent issuance of commemorative coins and other collectibles.
• Focus on 24-Karat Gold: The use of 24-karat gold as a loophole to bypass currency restrictions could become a more common practice for commemorative items.

FAQ

Is it legal to put a living president on a U.S. Coin?

Generally, no. Federal law prohibits depicting living presidents on U.S. Currency, but the use of 24-karat gold commemorative coins provides a potential workaround.

Who approved the design for the Trump gold coin?

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a federal commission consisting solely of Trump-appointed members, approved the design.

What is the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee’s role in this process?

The CCAC is a federal panel that typically advises on coin designs, but they declined to review the proposed designs for this coin.