LOOSE CHANGE: APRIL 19, 2026

 
Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal, sculpted in
clay and plaster by U.S. Mint medallic artist Phebe Hemphill

"The sculptor has to make some decisions," Ms. Hemphill said. "They can't just solely take a design and, you know, make it look good as a coin. You have to enhance certain things."

The completed artwork is then machine-engraved onto steel hubs, which are used to stamp dies that get used to strike coins. And once they enter circulation, the coins make their way to our pockets, jars and couch crevices.

Some medallic artists prefer to sculpt the designs by hand with clay or plaster on rounds that are about eight or nine inches in diameter, while others use software, Ms. Hemphill explained. She prefers to work by hand initially, then scan her work to make finishing touches digitally.

The traditional approach "really allows the sculptor to gauge the depth properly using your own binocular vision," Ms. Hemphill said, while digital tools make some "cool tricks" possible that "you wouldn't even imagine you could do in traditional."

To read the complete article, see:
Creating art for U.S. coins is tricky. These Pennsylvania artists have made a career of it. (https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2026/02/09/philadelphia-pennsylvania-us-mint/stories/202602090075)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
U.S. MINT ARTISTS PROFILED (https://www.coinbooks.org/v29/esylum_v29n09a20.html)

Fine Arts Commission Approves Trump Gold Coin

 

An advisory commission hand-picked by President Donald Trump has approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image, officials said Thursday, in a move slammed by Democratic opponents.

One side of it shows a glaring Trump standing with his fists bunched on a desk, and the other features an eagle perched with wings spread on what appears to be a bell.

The coin does not have a monetary value and its sale price has not been disclosed, but similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost over $1,000.

"We are thrilled to prepare 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," US Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement.

Beach noted that the design would differ from Trump images being planned for two other coins, a $1 piece that would be in circulation, and a one-ounce gold one.

To read the complete article, see:
Trump gets approval for gold coin in his likeness (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-gets-approval-for-gold-coin-in-his-likeness/ar-AA1Z1rzg)

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