The Trump gold coin is not normal

Commission of Fine Arts

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has voted to approve the design for a new commemorative gold coin.


On one side, an eagle in flight – on the other, a portrait of President Trump, staring directly at the viewer.

Federal law prohibits living people from being featured on U.S. coins – though the Trump administration believes the Treasury Department has authority here.

Moreover, it breaks a norm that dates to the beginning of the country.

Caroline Turco, a curator at the Money Museum of the American Numismatic Association, explains.

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This episode was produced by Karen Zamora and Connor Donevan, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.