On March 19, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), comprising people appointed by MAGA Republican President Donald Trump, unanimously approved a final design concept proposed for a 24-karat gold United States semiquincentennial commemorative coin.
Instead of featuring the Declaration of Independence or some other images central to the foundation of the nation in 1776 or more universally recognized symbols from the last 250 years, the CFA chose a sketch based on a photo of Trump leaning over the Resolute desk in the Oval Office for the coin's obverse or "heads" side.
The coin will bear the word "Liberty" and the dates "1776–2026" for the 250th anniversary.
Living people are not supposed to appear on U.S. currency or stamps in order to avoid such self promotion.
But the CFA’s vice chair, James McCrery, said:
"I motion to approve this as presented, and with the strong encouragement that you make it as large as possible, all the way to three inches in diameter."
Officials report Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used his narrow authority over commemorative coins to bypass the restriction for Trump's latest ego boost. Unless Congress intervenes, the U.S. Mint will move forward with the design, which Trump personally approved, to create a "24-karat gold" coin.
Most minted coins are done in 22-karat gold for overall durability and to resist scratching. The popular American Gold Eagle coin is 22-karat, or 91.67% purity.
The only 24-karat gold coin currently minted by the United States is the American Buffalo Gold Bullion coin with a $50 designated denomination, which is not available directly to the public from the mint. The bullion coins, introduced in 2006, are distributed "through a network of official distributors called authorized purchasers."
The coin design recreates the popular "Indian Head" or "Buffalo" nickel, which was introduced in 1913 and produced until 1938.
United States Mint
The mint also produces—for sale to the public at a whopping price tag just shy of $6,000—a 24-karat American Buffalo Gold Proof coin. It's unclear if Trump’s coin will be a bullion coin, only available through third parties, or a proof coin for collectors complete with a hefty price tag.
The reverse or "tails" side of Trump's gold coin will feature an eagle—not unlike the one that famously terrified Trump during a photoshoot in August 2015 for TIME magazine in his Manhattan office.
scared trump GIFGiphy
News of Trump's sycophants giving him another monument to himself spread quickly online...
...with some sharing the CFA (and Trump) approved sketches...
@onefussyone/Bluesky
...and others sharing golden mockups.
Despite having a Trump approved design, people across social media offered alternate designs.
@browneyedsusan/Bluesky
@Jpthelion7Jerry/X
@AssociatesFirst/X
No Trump coins have been struck yet, as approving the design is just the first step in creating a new coin. Traditionally, the approved coin is then sculpted in clay on a large scale, then scanned to create appropriately sized metal dies to press the coins. Given Trump's love of AI, they'll likely eliminate the use of any actual artists.
Even so, there's still time to pick a more appropriate design to represent the United States.
Or a more appropriate one to represent Trump.
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