THE QUANTUM COIN

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V29 2026 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 29, Number 41, 2026, Article 29

Jason Burton has produced the eighth work in ongoing series of struck art medals exploring ideas from science, mathematics, philosophy and the natural world. -Editor

"The Quantum Coin brings together two complementary ideas in quantum physics. One side is inspired by Hugh Everett III's Many-Worlds Interpretation, using a branching tree to represent possible realities. The other draws from Richard Feynman's work on quantum pathways and computation, using a circuit structure to represent possible computational paths.

"The medals are struck one at a time from solid metals using antique coin presses in the United States.

"I thought the project might be of interest to E-Sylum readers as a contemporary example of using the medallic form to explore scientific ideas."

Background
The Quantum Coin is the eighth design in The Natural Philosopher Collection, an ongoing series of struck art medals exploring ideas from science, mathematics, philosophy and the natural world.

The collection currently includes the Fibonacci, Platonic, Relativity, Euclidean, Currents, Radioactive, Tai Chi and Quantum themes.

The collection uses the traditional two-sided medal format as a way of bringing related ideas into conversation with one another. The Quantum Coin focuses on two complementary perspectives in quantum physics.

Optional engraved acrylic Exhibit Modules are also created for each theme, extending elements of the coin artwork into a larger display format designed to be modular and grow with the ongoing COINCIDE collection.

The Quantum Coin
The obverse is inspired by Hugh Everett III's Many-Worlds Interpretation. A branching tree represents the unfolding of countless possible realities from a single quantum origin, with two possible branches highlighted through mathematical notation.

The reverse draws from Richard Feynman's contributions to quantum theory and computation. A circuit structure represents a network of possible computational paths, with two paths followed through the circuit toward measurement outcomes.

Together, the two sides explore the relationship between the idea that possible paths contribute to an outcome and the idea that possible outcomes persist.

Die engraving and minting
Shire Post Mint
West Fork, Arkansas, USA
www.shirepost.com

The steel dies are engraved by Shire Post Mint from my original drawings and specifications, and the medals are struck individually on antique coin presses. Additional pieces can therefore be struck over time in response to demand.

Specifications
Diameter: 1.3125 in.
Thickness: .125 in.
Weight: approximately 1 oz.

Materials:
Solid bronze
Solid copper
.999 solid silver
24K gold vermeil over .999 solid silver

Each coin also includes a folded informational pamphlet, featuring original illustrations and information specific to the coin's theme. Additional pieces can therefore be struck over time in response to demand.

Mintage / Availability
The Quantum Coin is not a limited-edition medal with a predetermined final mintage. Each new design in the collection is introduced through Kickstarter, with the initial production quantity determined by Kickstarter pledges. Additional pieces can therefore be struck over time in response to demand.

After those orders are fulfilled, the design becomes part of the permanent COINCIDE collection and remains available through the COINCIDE website. Additional pieces can therefore be struck over time in response to demand.

A little about why I make these
I've always been interested in objects that can function as more than decoration. With the Natural Philosopher Collection, I use the medal as a small, durable canvas for exploring ideas that have shaped how we understand the world. The two-sided format is especially interesting to me because it allows related concepts to coexist physically within a single object. With The Quantum Coin, that gave me a way to place branching possibilities on one side and computational pathways on the other, so the object itself becomes part of the conversation.

The Kickstarter story page is probably the easiest place to see the project in context. The top of the page contains a short video, the full background, artwork, specifications and fabrication details for The Quantum Coin. If you continue scrolling, there is also an overview of the entire Natural Philosopher Collection.

The Quantum Coin is currently available through the Kickstarter campaign here. Following the campaign and post-campaign fulfillment, it will become part of the permanent collection available through the COINCIDE website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coincide/the-quantum-coin?ref=e8m0b6 .