US Treasury Advances Trump Memorial Coin Issuance Plan, Breaking Century-Old Ban on Minting Coins for Living Persons

According to Fox News, U.S. Treasury Secretary Brandon Beach stated that no one better represents the image of the 250th anniversary commemorative coin than the current President Trump. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced plans to mint commemorative coins featuring President Trump’s portrait. This design has been approved by the Federal Arts Commission (CFA) and is expected to be part of this year’s series of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Beach Supports Trump Coin Issuance

Citing legal provisions, U.S. Treasury officials explained that the issuance of this commemorative coin is primarily based on Title 31, Section 5112 of the United States Code (31 U.S.C. § 5112). This law grants the Treasury specific authority to determine the specifications, designs, and inscriptions of gold and silver coins. Secretary Beach emphasized that commemorative coins are different from everyday circulation currency and are issued as a separate category. Therefore, their designs are entirely at the Treasury’s discretion. Although traditional U.S. law generally discourages depicting living persons on currency, officials believe current legal authority provides a basis for issuing coins with the portrait of the sitting president. This grants the government greater flexibility in designing special commemorative items.

Federal Arts Commission (CFA) Approves Trump Coin Design

During the administrative review process, there were differing opinions among consulting agencies. In March, the CFA unanimously approved the design for the Trump presidential coin, marking a key step toward production. In contrast, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another statutory advisory body, declined to review the design substantively. The Treasury stated that the Mint has fulfilled its legal obligation to seek committee opinions, and even if CCAC chooses not to comment, the issuance process can proceed legally. The Treasury’s statement emphasized that while design review input is considered, the Secretary of the Treasury has the final authority over the design. This reflects the administrative process involved in advancing major commemorative projects.

Details of the Approved Design

The approved coin features a serious portrait of President Trump on the obverse, depicting him in a suit and tie, leaning forward with both hands on a table, creating a strong visual impression. Above the portrait, the word “LIBERTY” is inscribed, along with the years “1776–2026” to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The reverse continues traditional American symbolism, depicting a soaring bald eagle, with inscriptions of “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (“Out of many, one”). These design elements aim to convey national sovereignty and the enduring spirit of democracy through coin art, visually linking the political figure with the national celebration.

Breaking a Century-Old Ban on Minting Coins of Living Persons

This issuance is considered a rare case in U.S. numismatic history, breaking a long-standing taboo against featuring living persons on government-issued coins. Treasury officials explained that this coin is part of a broader celebration plan for the 250th anniversary of American independence. It is intended as a limited-edition collectible, not for general circulation. The final size and denomination are still under discussion. Secretary Beach stated that issuing such commemorative coins during a significant national milestone is meant to showcase the country’s spirit. However, since this move challenges traditional practices, its practical issuance and public perception of coin design conventions remain highly debated topics.

This article about the U.S. Treasury Department’s plan to issue a Trump commemorative coin, breaking the “no coins of living persons” century-old ban, first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.