Washington, March 22 US President Donald Trump is set to appear on a gold coin to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, amid questions about the legality of the move.
The 24-karat gold coin, depicting Trump leaning on the Resolute desk with clenched fists, will be the second time a living president has appeared on a coin.
Previously, Calvin Coolidge, the 30th US President, appeared on a commemorative coin alongside George Washington, which were minted in 1926 to celebrate 150 years of US Independence.
The US Commission on Fine Arts approved the design of the commemorative gold coin at its meeting on March 19, and it will be minted once the final dimensions are decided.
"As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to create 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," said US Treasurer Brandon Beach in a statement to FOX Business.
US Federal law states that no living president can appear on US currency.
However, Beach said the proposed commemorative coin would be separate from circulating currency, and the Treasury Secretary has sole discretion over the final design selection and authorizing its minting.
Democrats have termed the Trump-themed gold coin embarrassing and against the nation's values.
"Monarchs and dictators put their faces on coins, not leaders of a democracy," said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), as quoted by The Washington Post.
The coin is expected to join a slate of special-edition currencies and medals that the Treasury is releasing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US Independence.
Critics see the commemorative coin as the latest effort by Trump to leave his mark on the Washington landscape. Previously, the Kennedy Centre was renamed as the Trump-Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, and the US Institute of Peace building had the President's name added to it.
Trump has also sought to remodel the White House grounds, proposing a visitor screening center and demolishing the White House's East Wing to build his long-desired ballroom.