2026 COTY 100: Best Crown
From functional sundials to literary legends and high-relief artistry, this year’s Best Crown nominees showcase some of the world’s most impressive large-format commemorative coins.
This week’s COTY 100 highlight category is the Best Crown category. For collectors who are new to following the Coin of the Year program, it can be confusing what Best Crown means. The crown refers to the size of the coin, not to having a crown as part of the design. Judges are asked to look at the coins’ all-around appeal, both aesthetically and from a commercial standpoint. The criteria continue with “consideration should be given to the unique theme which the coin reflects, and how the coin fits historically into the ‘crown’ definition, including a minimum size requirement of 37mm and a maximum size of 45mm.”
Canada
The Gilded Sundial, KM 3590
20 Dollar, Silver
In a beautiful showcase of function and craftsmanship, this coin has a sundial on the reverse.
Chad
Julius Caesar Masters of War, KM 438
10,000 Francs CFA, Silver
Julius Caesar was a formidable Roman emperor, and his military prowess has been captured in glorious detail on this Spectres coin.
China
Chinese Dragon, KM 2938
10 Yuan, Silver
Collectors are familiar with the Chinese Panda coins, and in 2025 they released the new Chinese Dragon coins. With a depiction of the Great Wall on the obverse and an artistic Chinese Dragon on the reverse.
Cook Islands
Dunescape, KM 3537
20 Dollar, Silver
This coin boasts a three-dimensional image of a dune landscape, with a small caravan on the crest of a dune. This coin is visually dynamic and makes use of high-relief, abstract surfaces.
Croatia
King Tomislav – Rulers, KM 178
6 Euro, Silver; partially gold-plated, ruthenium
This coin honors the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom, with King Tomislav and his distinctive crown on the obverse. He is one of the most prominent rulers of early medieval Croatia.
France
Jules Verne – Art of the Quill, KM 3502
20 Euro, Silver
A prolific author in the early 1800s, Jules Verne wrote many novels that are recognized globally as classic stories, such as Around the World in Eighty Days. Symbols of his famous works are seen pouring out of his top hat on the obverse.
Japan
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, KM 332
1,000 Yen, Silver
The 2025 World Expo was held in Japan. The mascot of the event, MYAKU-MYAKU, is seen on the obverse of the commemorative coin.
Liberia
The Great Gatsby 100, KM 1125
5 Dollar, Silver
The classic Fitzgerald novel has been a part of pop culture long after it was first published. This coin embodies the elegance and drama of the story, bringing it to life to celebrate 100 years since it was first published.
Niue
World Money Fair Panda, KM 7563
1 Dollar, Silver
This coin celebrates the 10th anniversary of the issuance of the World Money Fair Panda Medals.
Niue
Bottlenose Dolphin – Australia at Night, KM 7525
1 Dollar, Silver
A mother dolphin and her calf swim among a coral reef; this coin continues the Australia at Night series.
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