2026 COTY 100: Most Artistic
From intricate relief and bold color to designs inspired by celebrated artists, the 2026 Most Artistic nominees showcase the creative possibilities of coin design.
This category highlights coins strictly for their artistic merit, as the category name suggests. Judges are told to “select coins based solely on the value of their outstanding artistic merit. No consideration should be given to their commercial potential, theme, or popularity.” Of course, what is considered artistic is highly subjective, which makes predicting the winners of this category quite fun.
Austria
Dance Away, KM 3387a
5 Euro, Silver
This nine-sided coin shows a woman dancing on the reverse, her skirt in full motion as she spins. This is a New Year’s coin, a symbol of new beginnings and renewed energy.
Cameroon
American Bison – Patterns of the World, KM 1028
2000 Francs CFA, Silver
The geometric pattern on the obverse of this coin is eye-catching. On the reverse is a high-relief bison with a beadwork effect inspired by Native American textile motifs. This coin is the first in the Patterns of the World series.
Canada
Celebrating the Life and Art of Daphne Odjig, KM 3624, 3624.1
2 Dollar, Bi-Metallic
This nomination includes the color version as one piece so judges can get the full effect of this artistic coin. The reverse showcases an adaptation of two iconic Daphne Odjig works: “The Folk Singer” and “The Indian in Transition.” This circulating coin recognizes the life and art of Daphne Odjig, an influential artist in Canada.
Cook Islands
Taj Mahal, KM 3511
10 Dollar, Silver
The Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece, a piece of art in its own right. This scaled-down rendition on a coin, with its impressive detailing, includes a view of the interior of the building as the background of the obverse.
France
El Dorado – The Sower, KM 3613
10 Euro, Silver
This coin from the Monnaie de Paris embodies the search for the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. With a Spanish conquistador facing off with Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, on the obverse. The reverse of the coin shows a modernized adaptation of the sower.
Italy
Renato Zero 2 Cielo – Italian Songs Series, KM 572
5 Euro, Rhodium plated Silver
Renato Zero is an Italian musician. The background of the obverse shows the sky and the sea, an inspiration for the artist. Il Cielo, a popular song by Renato, is highlighted. The reverse of the coin is a representation of a vinyl record with the song’s lyrics in the center.
Latvia
Džemma, KM 238
5 Euro, Silver
A piece of the painting “Dialogue” by Džemma Skulme is rendered with color print and relief on the obverse. On the reverse is a brushstroke with varying degrees of matte finish and relief.
Lithuania
The Lullaby - Tales from My Childhood, KM 297
5 Euro, Silver
This needlework design wraps around a sleeping child, bringing to life the world of a child’s dreams, carried by a parent’s lullaby.
Niue
Legend of Chu Liu Xiang – Legend of Chu Liu Xiang Series IV, KM 7763
10 Dollar, Silver
Chu Liu Xiang rides a horse with the background of a desert map. On the obverse is Xiang holding a fan, with other characters in the background, ready to join the fight. A famous Chinese Kungfu character, this coin brings to life the fusion of Eastern artistic narrative and Western innovation.
Ukraine
The World of the Couturier’s Art. Lyubov Panchenko, KM 1133
10 Hryvnias, Silver
On the obverse of this coin is a portrait of Lyubov Panchenko. On the reverse is a fragment of the artist’s work “Bucha Spring”. This coin honors the Ukrainian artist and fashion designer.
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