U.S. Mint Looking for Artists to Design Coins and Medals

The United States Mint is inviting artists to apply for its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), a long-running initiative that brings external creative talent into the design process for U.S. coins and medals.

Applications open Jan. 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST and must be submitted online by Feb. 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST at usmint.gov/call-for-artists.

To apply, candidates must submit an application form along with 5 to 10 portfolio images. Following an initial review, selected candidates may be invited to Evaluation Phase Two, which can involve providing a resume or CV, a link to an online portfolio, or preparing a demonstration design. Successful participants in this phase receive a $1,500 fee.

Eligibility requires artists to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and professional artists with published, produced, or exhibited work in design-focused media. Eligible disciplines include illustration, graphic design, animation, concept art, comics, collectibles, poster art, street art, tattoo art, and related fields.

Established in 2003, the AIP expands the artistic pool for United States coins and medals by contracting with external artists who work alongside U.S. Mint staff throughout the year. Under current program provisions, AIP artists are paid $3,000 per assignment and receive a $5,000 bonus for each design selected for use on a coin or medal. In most cases, the artist’s initials appear on the final coins or medals, with artist information also included on Certificates of Authenticity and other Mint-issued materials.

The call comes as the Mint continues efforts to broaden the range of artistic voices contributing to numismatic design, as future releases take shape.