2026 COTY 100: Best Circulating
From colorful commemoratives to everyday pocket change, this year’s COTY 100 nominees for Best Circulating Coin celebrate history, culture, and national identity through coins made for commerce.
The Best Circulating category can be one of the most fun to follow as a collector of modern coins and a fan of the Coin of the Year program, since the coins in this category can be some of the most attainable. To qualify for this category, the coins must be found in regular commerce; in other words, these are the coins you’ll find in your change in each given country.
Australia
30th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag, KM 4935
2 Dollar, Copper, Aluminum, Nickel
The Torres Strait Islander Flag was proclaimed as the official flag of Australia 25 years ago, and the Royal Australian Mint presented this coin to celebrate.
Canada
150th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada, KM 3576, 3576.1
1 Dollar, Three-ply Brass-plated Steel
The Supreme Court of Canada was founded in 1875, and in 2025 the Royal Canadian Mint celebrated the 150th anniversary of this feat with a circulating commemorative.
China
Jing Role – Chinese Peking Opera Art, KM 2925
5 Yuan, Brass
The Peking Opera commemorative circulating coins have been well received over the years. This coin shows the colored image of a jing role on the reverse.
Curacao & Sint Maarten
The World Under the Sea – New Caribbean Guilder, KM 1
5 Guilder, Tri-metallic
Royal Canadian Mint, Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten
This coin is a part of Curacao and St Maarten’s first independent currency series. On this coin, the island of Curacao is seen on the reverse.
Germany
Saarland (Saar Loop), KM 45
2 Euro, Bi-Metallic
Often referred to as Germany’s most beautiful river loop, the Saar Loop is an iconic tourist and scenic attraction. This coin brings a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful landscape.
Hungary
Hungarian Academy of Sciences Commemorative Circulation Coin, KM 1127
200 Forint, Base Metal
The allegorical depiction of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and knowledge, raises a cup of knowledge on the obverse of this coin commemorating the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Latvia
Sēlija
2 Euro, Copper Nickel, KM 241
The coat of arms of Sēlija, one of the five historical regions of Latvia, is featured on this coin.
Lithuania
Defence, KM 295
2 Euro, CuNi/CuZnN
On the national side of this 2-Euro coin, the contours of Lithuania with a stylized spine barrier are featured.
Papua New Guinea
50th Anniversary of Independence, KM 95
50 Toea, Copper, Nickel
A bird-of-paradise, a symbol of PNG’s wildlife, along with the vibrant colors of PNG’s flag, reflects the cultural and natural beauty of Papua New Guinea. Together, the coin celebrates the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Spain
Old City of Salamanca, KM 1605
2 Euro, Cu, Ni, Zc
The Convent of San Esteban in Salamanca is seen on the obverse of this commemorative circulating coin. The Spanish Mint honored the Old City of Salamanca and its university, which is one of the oldest in Europe.
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