Trump-picked panel approves gold coin with his image: ‘the larger the better’

2026.03.19 21:20 People view the portrait of US President Donald Trump, taken by official White House photographer Daniel Torok which is the basis of a proposed commemorative gold coin design, in Washington on Thursday. Photo: Reuters A federal arts ⁠panel comprised of members appointed by Donald Trump unanimously approved a commemorative gold coin featuring his image on Thursday, in the latest effort by the administration to celebrate the US president. Critics, including Democrats and members of another federal arts committee, said minting a coin with a sitting president’s image went against American values, especially as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year and the end of British monarchical rule. During a presentation by a US Mint official to ‌the Commission of Fine Arts, discussion turned to what diameter the 24-carat coin should be, up to a maximum of three inches (7.62cm). Chamberlain Harris, 26, a White House aide whom Trump appointed to the commission this year, said the biggest possible coin would be Trump’s preference. “The larger the better,” she said, shortly before the coin was approved by the entire panel. The commemorative gold coin design features US President Donald Trump. Image: US Mint via Reuters The US Mint will now produce final dimensions for the coin. Trump has already approved the design and it is expected that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Trump loyalist, will order the coin to be minted. The White House referred questions to the Treasury Department. US Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement: “As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and there is no profile more ‌emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump.” The US Mint did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The coin would depict a stern-looking Trump leaning over a desk and staring forward. It is based on a photog

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