President Trump has gotten approval for a commemorative gold coin featuring his scowling face, breaking a law that’s banned living presidents from currency for over 150 years. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve the design, which shows Trump leaning on a desk with his fist.
This marks only the second time in American history a sitting president has appeared on a coin. The last time was 100 years ago with President Calvin Coolidge in 1926.
How Trump Made It Happen
Last year, Trump fired the entire Commission of Fine Arts board and replaced them with his own picks who approved his coin design. The Treasury is using a legal workaround, claiming they’re authorized to mint special 24-karat gold coins for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
They’re also exploiting a technicality in the law. While a 2020 law specifically bans living people from the back of coins, it doesn’t mention the front – where Trump’s face will appear.
The move continues Trump’s pattern of putting his name and image across federal government property in ways that mirror authoritarian regimes’ propaganda campaigns.
What Happens Next
The Mint says production will be “very limited,” though one commission member noted “the president likes big things.” History suggests Trump might want to be careful what he wishes for – that 1926 Coolidge coin was a commercial flop that barely sold any copies.
