A U.S. advisory commission selected by President Donald Trump has approved the design of a commemorative gold coin bearing his image, a decision that has drawn criticism from political opponents.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts reportedly gave the green light to the design, which is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. While the commission declined to comment publicly, images of the proposed coin have circulated in media reports.
The design features a portrait of Trump on one side, showing him standing with clenched fists on a desk, while the reverse side displays an eagle with wings spread, perched on what appears to be a bell.
Although the coin will not carry any official monetary value, its price has not yet been disclosed. However, similar commemorative coins produced by the U.S. Mint often sell for over $1,000.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach defended the move, describing the coin as a symbol of the nation’s enduring spirit. He said the choice of Trump’s image reflects the significance of his leadership at this time.
However, the decision has triggered backlash, particularly among Democrats, who argue that featuring a sitting president on a coin breaks with long-standing democratic traditions.
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Earlier this year, another advisory body, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, reportedly declined to even consider the proposal. One of its members, Donald Scarinci, noted that historically, democracies do not place the image of a current leader on currency, a practice more commonly associated with monarchies or authoritarian regimes.
The controversy also comes amid broader scrutiny of Trump’s recent actions, including restructuring key advisory bodies and pursuing high-profile renovation projects tied to his administration.
