Vanity may explain why Donald Trump is selling commemorative coins with his face on it. Or narcissism. Or, perhaps, just the need to bolster his campaign funds. They cost US$100 apiece. They are not legal tender
The coin Donald Trump thinks many will buy. Screen shot: realtrumpcoins.com
Why? Because he can. Donald Trump has peddled many thing in his life, why not also coins—Trump coins—or, as they are described on the website that hawks them, "President Trump First Edition Silver Medallion". Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social last Saturday: "The ONLY OFFICIAL coin designed by me—and proudly minted here in the USA." If Julius Caesar placed his face on coins because he wanted his people to know he was the a absolute ruler, what does Mr Trump want us to acknowledge? From the images shared on the dedicated website to sell the coin, it looked like play dough. Or, a game token. If you are not convinced that it is legit, the online sales talk promoting the coin states that what is available is the "ONLY officially licensed Donald J. Trump silver medallion on the market". But it is not legal tender. It is an expensive gift shop find.
His supporters, who happily drink from mugs bearing his face (or his biggest fan Laura Loomer, who wears T-shirts with his grumpy visage on them), would, no doubt, eagerly buy the "medallion" even if they would be worthless later. The coin is handier to keep close to the body and can be carried 24/7. It features, on the front side, Mr Trump's "very beautiful face"—as he described it in a promotional video shared on Truth Social—and his name above it, and, in the rear, a likeness of the White House, sandwiched between the phrase "In God We Trust" and his condensed signature. Each coin "arrives in a custom felt bag with a certificate of authenticity", like jewellery might. "This," the website states, "is a 1oz .999% silver medallion and struck with a proof finish." Which basically means it is of an acceptable quality and "is primarily made for collectors, not for general circulation".
Like the gold sneakers Mr Trump sold last February (and is now sold out), the latest merchandise is not directly linked to him: The website is clear to state that "this product is not manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals. JBCZ Group, LLC, the manufacturer and distributor of this product, uses the 'Trump' name, image and likeness under paid license from CIC Digital, LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms." Does it really matter? Anyone can use the Trump name when he has paid to do so. To the MAGA masses, mendacious Donald Trump can put his scowl of a face to the rear of boxers, and they will snap them up.
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