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A federal design panel composed entirely of Trump-appointed members voted Thursday to approve a 24-carat commemorative gold coin featuring President Donald Trump, part of preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Commission of Fine Arts signed off on a proposed design depicting Trump in the Oval Office, with the years 1776 and 2026 marking the country’s semiquincentennial.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach praised the design as a “beautiful commemorative gold coin,” calling it a fitting tribute ahead of the milestone anniversary.
“As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy,” Beach said in a statement. “There is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President.”
Treasury Holds Final Authority
The commemorative coin still requires approval from the Treasury Department, where Scott Bessent has final authority over design selection.
Under federal law, the Treasury typically considers input from both the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), a panel that includes a broader range of experts and public representatives.
Beach said the U.S. Mint offered the CCAC multiple opportunities to review proposed designs, but the committee declined to weigh in.
“Accordingly, the Mint’s statutory obligation to seek CCAC review has been fulfilled,” Beach said, emphasizing that the panel’s role is advisory.
The CCAC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Legal Framework and Separate Coin Plans
The proposal stems from the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which authorizes the Treasury to mint special coins during 2026 to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Officials noted the gold commemorative coin is separate from a planned circulating $1 coin tied to the same milestone. Draft designs for that coin, also featuring Trump, were introduced by the Treasury Department last year.
Political Reaction and Broader Context
The proposal has drawn criticism from some policymakers and observers, with earlier reporting indicating opposition within advisory circles over featuring a sitting president on commemorative currency.
The decision comes as Trump has taken a prominent role in shaping celebrations for the 250th anniversary, including public remarks joking about taking credit for the milestone and initiatives such as the planned America250 Grand Prix in Washington.
Trump has also sought to place his name or branding on several federal institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the United States Institute of Peace.
Previous Financial Ventures
The coin effort is not Trump’s first foray into branded financial or collectible items. During his current term, he launched the $TRUMP meme coin and hosted a private dinner for cryptocurrency investors that drew scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties, including Sen. Cynthia Lummis.
What Comes Next
The Treasury Department is expected to review the design proposals in the coming weeks. If approved, the commemorative gold coin would become part of the official slate of items marking the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026.
The decision could further intensify debate over the role of politics and symbolism in federal commemorations tied to historic national milestones.
