The Trump gold coin is not normal
Mar 23, 2026•7 min
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Episode description
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.
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
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.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
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.
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
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.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
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