Trump took one step closer to reality after the Treasury Department made an unusual move
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The US Mint is moving forward with a gold commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump after an art commission approved the design Thursday, with Treasury officials citing legal authority that allows the inclusion of a sitting president despite long-standing restrictions.
FOX Business has confirmed with a source familiar with the Commission of Fine Arts that the design shown is a mock-up approved by the panel, removing an important step in the production of the coin.
The move is notable because federal law traditionally prohibits living people from appearing on US currency, but Treasury officials say a separate legal authority allows the minting of gold coins that would include a sitting president, putting a potential long-term break in place.
“As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to be preparing coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and no profile depicts the obverse of a coin like that of our current President, Donald J. Trump,” US Treasury Secretary Brandon Beach said in a statement provided to FOX Business.
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The commemorative design of the millennium gold coin features US President Donald Trump, in this timeless rendering. The black and white diagram shows what one side of the coin is expected to look like. (US Mint/Handout via REUTERS/Reuters)
Beach added that the proposed commemorative gold coin would be different from the circulating currency and would be at the discretion of the Treasury secretary.
“The Secretary has sole discretion in selecting the final design,” the statement said, noting that the plan is subject to review opportunities provided by advisory bodies.
The move would mark a rare example of a US president sitting on a government-issued bill.
Treasury officials pointed to a provision under federal law, 31 USC § 5112, which allows the secretary to approve gold bullion coins and detailed proofs, designs and documents determined at their discretion.
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People look at a portrait of US President Donald Trump, taken by official White House photographer Daniel Torok that is the basis of a proposed design for the US Mint’s quincentennial commemorative gold coin, on display at the Smithsonian National Port. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
The authority allows the coins to be issued “in accordance with such designs… and documents as the Secretary… may from time to time determine,” according to the rule, which Treasury officials said.
The Treasury statement also noted that the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) has declined to review the proposed designs, while the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) “has taken every opportunity to review them to date.”
Officials said the Mint fulfilled its legal obligation to seek CCAC’s input despite the panel choosing to ignore the designs.
The approved design features Trump in a suit and tie with a stern voice, leaning forward with his hands resting on a desk in a powerful manner, according to materials presented to the commission.
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President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, on March 9, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The coin features “LIBERTY” at the top and the dates “1776-2026,” marking the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The reverse side is expected to show a bald eagle flying next to the familiar inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The Associated Press first reported that the Commission on Fine Arts approved the design without objection at its March meeting on Thursday.
The effort represents a departure from traditional practice, as US currency has historically avoided depicting living people, although commemorative and large coins operate under different rules.
Officials said the coin will be part of a limited production run, and final details on size and denomination are still being worked out.
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The coin is tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, with Treasury officials making the effort as part of a wider program to mark the milestone.
The White House did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
