Trump-Selected Panel Approves Gold Coin Design Featuring His Image for U.S. 250th Anniversary

A commission appointed by President Donald Trump has greenlit a commemorative gold coin design bearing his likeness, officials announced Thursday—a decision drawing sharp criticism from Democrats.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts stayed silent when AFP inquired about the approval, following reports from multiple outlets that revealed the proposed artwork.

Set to celebrate America’s 250th founding anniversary, the coin depicts a stern-faced Trump with clenched fists at a desk on one side, and an eagle with outstretched wings atop what resembles a bell on the other.

Non-circulating and without face value, the coin’s retail price remains undisclosed, though comparable U.S. Mint commemoratives often exceed $1,000.

“We’re excited to craft coins capturing our nation’s democratic spirit, with no figure more fitting for the obverse than our current president,” stated U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach.

Beach highlighted distinctions from two other Trump-featured coins: a circulating $1 piece and a one-ounce gold version.

Trump ousted all six Commission members last October, installing loyalists amid his post-January return-to-power push for White House renovations—including a new ballroom—and a rechristening of Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center in his name.

In contrast, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee rejected advancing Trump’s coin for discussion in February. “Since 1776’s Declaration of Independence, no democracy has minted coins showing a sitting elected leader—only kingdoms or dictatorships do,” noted member Donald Scarinci then.