Gold Trump coin moves forward after Treasury invokes rare authority

The U.S. Mint is moving forward with a gold commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump after a federal arts commission approved a design Thursday, with Treasury officials citing a legal authority that allows the inclusion of a sitting president despite longstanding restrictions. FOX Business confirmed with a source familiar with the Commission of Fine Arts that the design shown is the mock-up approved by the panel, clearing a key step toward production of the coin. The move is notable because federal law traditionally bars living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency, but Treasury officials say a separate statutory authority allows the minting of gold coins that can feature the sitting president, setting up a potential break from long-standing precedent. "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," U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement provided to FOX Business. TRUMP WAIVES JONES ACT FOR 60 DAYS IN BID TO FREE UP THE FLOW OF OIL TO US PORTS Beach added that the proposed commemorative gold coin would be separate from circulating currency and fall under the Treasury secretary’s discretion. "The Secretary has sole discretion on final design selection," the statement said, noting the process followed review opportunities presented to advisory bodies. The move would mark a rare instance of a sitting U.S. president appearing on a government-issued coin. Treasury officials pointed to a provision under federal law, 31 U.S.C. § 5112, that allows the secretary to authorize bullion and proof gold coins with specifications, designs and inscriptions determined at their discretion.