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JOEL ISKOWITZ (1946-2026)
"I recently received word that Joel Iskowitz passed away. Joel was an extraordinarily talented graphic artist who designed over 50 coins and medals as a US Mint infusion artist. In addition, he did paintings for the US Navy and Air Force as well as designing over 2000 stamps and other foreign coins and art medals. It was my good fortune to know Joel and work with him to produce commemorative medals for the Bronx and Flushing Coin Clubs. Aside from being a skilled artist, he was a kind and generous person. I am deeply saddened by his passing." John Janeczek, Secretary-Treasurer of the New York Numismatic Club writes: "It is with deep regret that the New York Numismatic Club announces the death of our fellow member Mr. Joel Iskowitz. "Joel Iskowitz passed away on April 23, 2026. He was born in 1946 and became a member of the NYNC in 2009. Joel was a renowned sculptor and illustrator, designing many coins, medals, and stamps for different countries and organizations. These include the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cent and the 2011 Fallen Heroes of New York Congressional gold medal. He was also the designer of several of the Club's medals. "He is survived by his wife Suzanne and children Julia and Adam. A graveside burial will be held at the Woodstock Artists' Cemetery, 12 Mountainview Avenue, Woodstock, NY on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum at www.woodstockart.org." 
Joel's "Inspiration of the Lincoln Cent" Here's an excerpt from Joel's online obituary. -Editor
Son of Larry and Belle Iskowitz, Joel was born in the Bronx on August 15, 1946. A talented artist from a young age, he went on to attend New York's High School of Music and Art, Yale University's fine arts program, and eventually graduated from Hunter College with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1968. He was inducted into the Hunter College Hall of Fame in 2011. An internationally renowned American illustrator, painter and stamp, coin and medal designer, Iskowitz designed more than 50 coins and medals for the U.S. mint, including the 2009 Lincoln bicentennial penny and the 2011 Fallen Heroes of NY Congressional gold medal. He created more than 2000 stamps for 40 different countries. Iskowitz received numerous awards for his philatelic and numismatic work, including the International Design Awards Gold Medal, a 2008 silver Medal in Corporate Illustration and a COTY nomination for most artistic coin. During his lifetime, he also served as an artist for NASA and the United States Airforce; his commemorative oil paintings of D-Day and several US space shuttle launch missions reside in the permanent collections of the Historical Association of Carenten in Normandy, France and the NASA Kennedy Space Center. His designs for the U.S. mint remain on display at the U.S. Capitol's Emancipation Hall and in the Smithsonian, Abraham Lincoln Presidential, and New York Historical Society Museums. Known for his commitment to realist styles of portraiture and design, Iskowitz described his artistic process as a method of visual storytelling. He always began with a carefully researched attempt to seek out the personal histories of his subjects. By his closest friends, Joel will be remembered not just by his art but by the way he lived his life. A consummate conversationalist, Joel brought his intellectual curiosity to our community and became part of the very fabric of Woodstock, long revered as an enclave for artists, musicians and intellectuals. On any given weekend, Joel might be found conversing with like-minded souls at Bread Alone. An avid tennis player, Joel found both love and community on the court. He met his beloved wife, Suzanne, at Black Acres Tennis Club in the 1980s; there and at the Woodstock Tennis Club, he formed friendships that endured throughout his lifetime. To that small circle, Joel was family—loyal and devoted, he graced our table at every holiday celebration and was there with a warm embrace for each loss or hardship. Outside of the work that formed such a core part of his identity and artistic life, Joel could often be found on long walks in the woods with his family and friends or completing the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen. Even illness could not touch Joel's poetic character and unique way of relishing life. For those of us who knew and loved him well, it is the portrait of the artist himself that we will remember, working in his Ohayo Mountain studio, creatively striving, with paints, and his faithful labrador, Sandy at his side.
To read the complete article, see:
2025 World's Fair of Money Commemorative On Facebook, sculptor, medallist and CCAC member Heidi Wastweet writes: "The world of coin artists is pretty tight and the majority of us support and lift up each other. Joel was one of those connectors that brought others together with his generous spirit. He will be deeply missed."
To read the complete post, see:
I met Joel on a few occasions and stayed in touch via email. A number of earlier articles referencing his work are linked below. I believe it was at a PAN show banquet that I bought from him a framed print of elephants for my wife, who likes and collects elephants. It's hanging in our hallway, and I can see it from my desk. Joel was a talented and prolific artist, and an all-around nice guy. He will be missed. -Editor
To read his extensive Wikipedia entry, see:
The Great War 1914-1918 
Col. David "Mickey" Marcus medal
To read earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: Subscribe All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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