Masters of Coin Design

By GOVMINTStan Witten is a distinguished artist and coin designer known for his contributions to Canadian numismatics. As an engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint, Witten played a key role in crafting some of Canada’s most celebrated coins as he blended his exceptional artistic ability with technical precision. Learn more about Stan Witten’s legacy, including his notable coin designs and their lasting impact on collectible coinage.Who Is Stan Witten? Stan Witten began his career as a coin artist under the direction of Dutch artist John Vanderbrink. He developed his skills through formal training in engraving techniques before starting an apprenticeship program with the Royal Canadian Mint in 1990, which he completed in 1994. He would go on to become a Senior Engraver for the Mint where he has had a long and illustrious career.  The primary inspirations for Witten’s designs stem from Canada’s history, culture, and natural scenery. Throughout his career, he has designed…

By GovMint:Earning international acclaim for his notable coin designs, Jody Clark has left an undeniable mark on the world. Clark’s artwork is featured in many series that current collectors seek to obtain. Regarding modern minting, coin designer Jody Clark has earned his spot as a revered coin artist for his skillful renditions and rich details. Discover more about Jody Clark coins and his contribution to numismatics. Who Is Jody Clark? After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire, Jody Clark started his career in packaging design. After realizing he performed his best work when having a brief to work towards, he took his 3D art skills to currency illustration, joining The Royal Mint in 2012 as a coin designer. While at The Royal Mint, he worked directly with The Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) to craft new coin designs according to the briefs provided. Clark worked on designs for both circulating and commemorative coins.  While he started working on coin…

By GovMint:Michael Gaudioso is a celebrated American sculptor, engraver, and coin designer whose artistic contributions have left a lasting mark on U.S. coinage. Learn more about Gaudioso’s journey from a passionate artist to a distinguished sculptor-engraver at the U.S. Mint and discover his works that have become treasured pieces in the numismatic world.Who Is Michael Gaudioso? Michael Gaudioso was already an accomplished artist before joining the U.S. Mint. He graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and earned his Masters of Fine Arts from the New York Academy Graduate School of Figurative Art before studying at the renowned Repin Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. Gaudioso also worked as a master painter and designer for Willet Hauser, one of America’s oldest and largest stained glass studios. Gaudioso’s work as a coin designer reflects his dedication to creating designs that capture the essence of America’s heritage. His background in fine arts and…

By GovMint:Susan Taylor is one of the most reputable and awarded engravers and sculptors in the history of the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Having retired as a Senior Engraver after a 33-year career as a coin artist and medal engraver, Susan Taylor left a lasting impact on Canadian and global numismatics. Learn more about Susan Taylor’s accomplishments and some of the most famous Susan Taylor coins here with GovMint’s Masters of Coin Design series.Who Is Susan Taylor? Before Susan Taylor started her career in numismatics, she studied art and history at McMaster University. Her background in art led her to an apprenticeship as a Mint Engraver and launched her career as a notable Canadian coin designer. The Royal Canadian Mint hired Susan Taylor as a Mint Engraver in 1981.Susan Taylor & The Royal Canadian Mint At the beginning of Susan Taylor’s career as a coin designer, she worked with oil-based clay and waxed plaster, specializing in bas-relief sculptures. She also showed…

By GovMint:Emily S. Damstra has gained significant recognition in numismatic circles for her work with the U.S. Mint and Royal Canadian Mint. She has designed over 40 U.S. and Canadian coins and medals, including the reverse of the Type II American Silver Eagle. Over the course of her illustrious career, Damstra has earned a reputation for creating hyper-detailed depictions of natural wildlife. Learn more about coin designer Emily Damstra in the Masters of Coin Design blog series here at GovMint. Who Is Emily Damstra? Emily S. Damstra began her career as an illustrator in the early 2000s after earning her Master of Fine Arts in Science Illustration from the University of Michigan. Her early work—fueled by her love for nature—explored a range of botanical, ecological, and cultural subjects and showcased her attention to detail. Since 2002, Damstra has featured her science illustrations in over 20 publications and over 30 exhibits, as well as on interpretive signs around zoos and…

By GovMint:After a highly acclaimed over 27-year career as a coin designer, Natanya Van Niekerk’s holistic approach to numismatics has left a distinctive mark on the industry. Her unique designs incorporated elements of current political events and scenery from her native South African environment. Learn more about Natanya Van Niekerk’s award-winning coin designs.Who Is Natanya Van Niekerk? Natanya Van Niekerk was born in South Africa and pursued a career in fine arts before venturing into the world of legal tender coins. Though the miniature details of coin art and engravings differed from her previous experience, Van Niekerk’s background equipped her with a sense of visual history and design that ultimately gave her coin designs their distinctive style. Natanya Van Niekerk’s work as a coin artist began during significant political movements in her home country. Nelson Mandela took office as the first president of South Africa just three weeks before Van Niekerk started as…

By GovMint:Before coins can make it into the hands of the public or eager numismatists, they must first start at the drawing board. One particular coin designer responsible for several recent popular designs is Beth Zaiken.Who Is Beth Zaiken? From a young age, Beth Zaiken was particularly interested in all things animal-related, both real and imaginary. Her skills in drawing and painting led her to graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design with a B.F.A. in Illustration.  From there, her love of animals and landscapes drew her to work at Blue Rhino Studio in Minnesota and partner with many museums and zoos to create large murals. Beth Zaiken’s art is notable for its ties with nature, biology, realistic animals, and immersive landscapes. In 2019, Beth Zaiken chose to apply her skills to the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), where she became an official United States Mint coin artist and designer. With her muralist work aimed at helping professionals and…