U.S. Currency and Monetary Policy

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on Thursday unanimously approved the final design of a 24‑karat gold commemorative coin bearing President Donald Trump’s image for America’s 250th birthday, clearing the U.S. Mint to begin production once size and denomination are set. Acting Mint design chief Megan Sullivan told the commission that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is invoking his authority over new 24‑karat gold coins to bypass the usual statutory bar on putting living presidents on U.S. currency, an unprecedented move that legal purists say stretches the spirit of the law. The obverse depicts Trump in a suit and tie leaning forward with clenched fists on a desk, surrounded by the word "LIBERTY," the dates 1776–2026, "IN GOD WE TRUST," and 13 stars; the reverse shows a bald eagle in mid‑flight with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach called Trump’s profile "emblematic" for a coin marking the Semiquincentennial, while Commissioner and Trump aide Chamberlain Harris praised the "strong" image as fitting for the sitting president during the 250th year. Sullivan said the coin will be a "very limited" issue, but the Mint and White House declined to comment on legal concerns or how many will be struck, as critics online question whether this is a commemorative honoring the nation or another example of Trump imprinting his own likeness on federal institutions.