Numismatic News Readers Share Views on Which Themes Do Not Belong on Coins (January 2026)

This article is based on reader responses published by Numismatic News on January 23, 2026. The views described are those of individual readers, not established facts.

In its January 16, 2026, e-newsletter, Numismatic News asked readers: "What themes or topics don't belong on a coin? Why?" According to the publication, readers differed on where the line should be drawn, with many uneasy about coins reflecting current politics or marketing trends.

Objections to Living Presidents on Coins

Roy (address withheld) wrote that no president, while alive, belongs on the nation's coins. He wrote that George Washington refused to have his portrait on the first coinage, saying he was not a monarch. He then sharply criticized Trump and wrote that he believes there is a bill in Congress to put Trump's portrait on a circulating coin.

Another reader, whose name was withheld, wrote that no coin should carry Trump until he passes, as with other living presidents.

"Every Topic" Has Been Depicted

Oded Paz of Arco, Idaho, wrote that every topic under the sun has been depicted on a coin, as well as many celestial and outer space topics.

He wrote that the subjects of circulating daily-use coins differ greatly from those of NCLTs, many of which have never seen and never will see their "country" of issue, such as Niue or the Marshall Islands. In his view, these pieces depict subjects the producers consider "collectible," such as animals, space, landscapes, superheroes and sports, or rely on gimmicks such as 3D, color or extremely high relief.

He wrote that coins made for circulation are more mundane and usually depict local and national subjects, such as historical buildings, heroes and achievements. He said no subject matter has ever been banned and that the only limit is the imagination of coin designers and makers. He also wrote that he is saddened that the United States Mint has joined the ranks of NCLT issuers, citing the superheroes series, and that he will never buy any of these.

Presentation Over Topic

Eliseo Ramos of Virginia wrote that almost no topic is out, except those that are unlawful or censored by society. In his view, the important thing is not the topic itself but the maturity with which it is presented, taking into account the intended audience.

He pointed to the coin shown with the question: the reverse of a commemorative coin from the Republic of Benin in West Africa, issued in 2010 as part of a series dedicated to plants from around the world. He wrote that the scientific context makes it acceptable, but that it would have been inappropriate if issued to promote illegal consumption of the plant.

Criticism of the Mint's Themes

Larry of Louisville wrote that since the statehood quarter program began in 1999, the Mint's coinage themes have gotten progressively worse. He wrote that the Mint is trying to sell "collector pieces" and called the recent "superhero" coins a joke.

Another reader, whose name was withheld, wrote that themes or topics sell to someone. The same reader also wrote that sex, drugs and Trump should not be on coins.

Source: Numismatic News, "Poll Question: What themes or topics don't belong on a coin? Why?" (January 23, 2026).