A federal court hearing in Oregon focused on a legal challenge to a proposed 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring President Donald Trump's likeness.

The lawsuit was filed by retired Portland attorney and coin collector James Rickher, who argues that federal law prohibits the depiction of living individuals on U.S.currency.According to Rickher, the law clearly requires that any person portrayed on U.S.coins or currency must be deceased, regardless of whether the item is intended for circulation or for collectors.During the hearing, U.S.District Judge Karin J.

Immergut repeatedly pressed Justice Department attorney Kathryn Barragan to explain the government's position, at one point expressing frustration with what she viewed as an overly lengthy response.Barragan argued that historical interpretations of the law and previous practices support the government's position.She also contended that Rickher lacks the legal standing necessary to bring the lawsuit because he has not suffered a direct injury.

The government further argued that the challenge may be premature because the Treasury secretary has not yet approved a final design for the proposed coin.

The coin would reportedly have a face value of $2,026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, while its estimated collector value could reach approximately $90,000.Only 47 coins are expected to be produced.

Rickher maintained that the issuance of such a coin would undermine confidence in the coin-collecting market and harm the integrity of collections if the government proceeded with what he considers an unlawful design.The judge questioned both sides regarding legal standing and statutory interpretation but did not issue an immediate ruling.