COTY 2026: Most Innovative Coin
From cube-shaped coins and sliding doors to nanoshine effects and a silver paper airplane, COTY’s Most Innovative nominees push the boundaries of modern minting.
Coins in the Most Innovative Coin category are judged on how well they fit the term “innovative concept in coinage.” This is defined as “Pioneering metallic alloy issues, non-typical coinage materials, planchet shapes, distinct visual themes or other innovations.” The official criteria for this category also state that “special consideration should be given to technological advancements, which forward minting ideas and mechanics.”
Australia
Extragalactic, KM 4953
25 AUD, Silver
The Whirlpool Galaxy is seen in beautiful detail on the reverse of this coin from the Perth Mint. Included in the inscriptions is the galaxy’s location on the celestial sphere. This coin includes a patina coloring, evoking the mystery of deep space. The coins are each hand-set with natural pink, gold, and white diamonds.
Burundi
Greek Gods – 3D Cubes, KM 94
500 Francs, Silver
This coin is minted into a cube shape, with each side of the coin depicting mythological figures and symbolic elements, such as Zeus sitting on a throne with lightning bolts and an eagle.
Canada
The Calling of an Engineer, KM 3606
25 Dollar, Silver
Celebrating the centennial of Canada’s ritual Calling of an Engineer, where new engineers are given an Iron Ring to symbolize their professional values and responsibilities, this coin shows a computer screen with elements of different engineering fields and the progression of their achievements. The coin itself has a faceted edge and raised rim to resemble the Iron Ring’s profile.
Cook Islands
Butterfly, KM 3507
5 Dollar, Silver
This coin uses the innovative nanoshine effect, creating delicate lines that shine against the Obsidian black finish, making the butterfly seem to glow.
Djibouti
The Journey of Marco Polo – Puzzle Coins, KM 156
250 Francs, Silver
The obverse of this coin displays a detailed compass rose, while the reverse is dominated by 5 gold-plated puzzle pieces, each depicting scenes from Marco Polo’s journey. When placed together, they surround a central portrait of Polo. Behind them is a detailed world map.
France
90 Years of Lancôme, KM 3611
10 Euro, Silver
Shaped like a tube of Lancôme lipstick, this coin includes the iconic rose stamped on the lipstick. The reverse is a rose unfurling with a Guilloche pattern.
Italy
Voyage of the Amerigo Vespucci Ship, KM 560
2 Euro, 10 Euro; Copper Nickel, Nickel Brass
This nomination is two coins put together as a set: a 2 Euro and a 10 Euro coin. The 2 Euro coin can be placed inside the 10 Euro coin, creating one stunning piece. The obverse of the 2 Euro coin shows the Amerigo Vespucci Training Ship out at sea. The 10 Euro has a compass with the cardinal points on the obverse and a representation of the globe on the reverse.
Lithuania
Metro Cattolico, KM 299
20 Euro, Silver
Minted from a 995mm long strip, symbolizing the length of the universal measurement. The term “metre” or metro cattolico was used in Tito Livio Burattini’s book “Misura Universale.”
Niue
Paper Airplane – Folded Dreams, KM 7579
2 Dollar, Silver
This coin takes the shape of a 3D paper airplane, the tip slightly bent as if it has been launched. This coin captures the innocence and creativity of childhood.
Samoa
Atlantis – Sliding Door, KM 951
10 Dollar, Silver + Base Metal
Shanghai Ji Yun Culture and Creativity Ltd.
The reverse of this coin uses a sliding door mechanism. When closed, it depicts a dramatic seafaring scene with a towering ship and a powerful sea creature. When opened, the coin reveals the hidden city of Atlantis, with a gold-plated architectural element and mythic guardians.
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