Interview with Perth Mint Coin Designer, Jennifer McKenna
Coin designer Jennifer McKenna reflects on a decade of creativity at The Perth Mint.
For over a decade, coin designer Jennifer McKenna has crafted creative and beautifully designed coins for The Perth Mint. Although McKenna stays busy creating new designs—including her latest creation, a new interpretation of the famed “Australian Brumby” series—the designer generously answered questions for World Coin News about her start in the industry, her dream coin, and much more.
World Coin News (WCN): How did you get into coin design? What was your schooling/training like?
Jennifer McKenna (JM): I studied graphic design with a specialty in illustration. I fell into coin design purely by chance when an opportunity opened at The Perth Mint.
WCN: What was your familiarity with coins and coin design before entering the field?
JM: As a child, I loved discovering unique designs in the coins of my spare pocket change. I’m now in a field where I am not only able to collect beautiful designs but also create them.
WCN: What is your process like when designing a coin? Are there specific details that are needed?
JM: My process starts off with a mixture of research and rough sketches. I try to figure out what works and what doesn’t. You might say, I’m digging for ideas until I hit gold! As for the specific details, it’s crucial to know what size the coin is going to be. The larger the coin, the more details I get to squeeze in.
WCN: What is it like to work for The Perth Mint? How long have you worked there?
JM: I have worked at The Perth Mint for almost 12 years now, a full lunar cycle! This is one way of measuring time here because of the ongoing popularity of our Lunar coin series, which features the 12 animals of the Lunar zodiac. My favorite part of the job is working with my team of designers. We all have our different styles and personalities, but we manage to learn from each other and grow as creative professionals.
WCN: What is it like to see your work on a coin?
JM: Seeing my design interpreted into metal is like watching a transformation. Each step in the coining process involves talented craftspeople who each contribute their own talents, breathing creativity and soul into the final product.
WCN: Do you have a favorite design?
JM: I am most proud of my 2024 Sovereign and my depiction of St. George and the Dragon. This coin was our major release for our 125th anniversary year, so there was a lot of interest in it. The design was a modern reinterpretation of the design of the original gold sovereigns produced at the Mint.
WCN: What is your dream coin?
JM: I may be biased, but my dream coin would be a design of my pet dog, Winston.
WCN: Do you have advice for new artists interested in entering the field?
JM: Design for yourself as well as others. Stay connected to your artwork and be proud of everything you create.
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