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Masters of Coin Design: Michael Gaudioso
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 extensive training laid the foundation for his successful career at the U.S. Mint and beyond.
Michael Gaudioso & The U.S. Mint
During his tenure at the U.S. Mint, Michael Gaudioso served as a sculptor and engraver and played a pivotal role in transforming artistic ideas into tangible coinage. As a medallic artist, Gaudioso collaborated with the medal and coin designers to bring the design to life—a significant challenge when working on low-relief sculptures like coin designs.
Michael Gaudioso contributed to several notable projects, sculpting and engraving coins and medals commemorating significant moments in American history. Gaudioso’s craftsmanship ensured that each piece met technical requirements and resonated with collectors and the public. One of his most prominent recent works was bringing to life the Type II Silver Eagle Reverse design by Emily Damstra in 2021, marking the first major design update for the highly popular American Silver Eagle series since its debut in 1986.
Notable U.S. Coinage from Michael Gaudioso
Michael Gaudioso’s legacy at the U.S. Mint is evident in his numerous contributions to American coinage. His work as a coin artist has been celebrated for its artistry and historical significance. Discover Michael Gaudioso’s most notable coin designs and contributions to the U.S. Mint.
Designer/Sculptor: U.S. Medals
Gaudioso received designer and sculptor credit for the obverse of the 2008 Code Talkers Recognition Congressional Medals Program, which honors the bravery of Native American code talkers during World Wars I and II. “Code talkers” refers to Native Americans who used their native languages to help the U.S. during wartime. Gaudioso also created the obverse for the 2011 Montford Point Marines Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing the groundbreaking contributions of the first African Americans to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Designer/Sculptor: 2011 First Spouse Gold Coin & Medal Program
Gaudioso was responsible for several reverse designs honoring America’s First Ladies as part of the First Spouse Gold Coin and Medal Program. His work brought to life intricate designs of Caroline Harrison, Frances Cleveland, Lou Hoover, “Lady Bird” Johnson, and Betty Ford, capturing the grace and strength of these historical figures while adding depth to the series.
Designer/Sculptor: 2014-2015 Presidential $1 Coins
Michael Gaudioso received designer and sculptor credit for the obverses of the 2014 Warren G. Harding and 2015 Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential $1 Coins. The detailed portraits are a perfect example of Gaudioso’s ability to convey character and legacy through detailed sculpting, bringing these historical figures to life on coinage.
Designer/Sculptor: 2018 Native American $1 Coin
Gaudioso also earned designer and sculptor credit for the reverse design of the 2018 Native American $1 Coin, which celebrates Jim Thorpe, an Olympic athlete and a legendary figure in Native American history. Gaudioso’s design captures Thorpe running a football and triumphantly leaping over a track hurdle.
Sculptor: 2013 Presidential $1 Coin William Howard Taft
The obverse design for the 2013 William Howard Taft Presidential $1 Coin was engraved by Gaudioso. The design features a highly detailed image of Taft, highlighting Gaudioso’s ability to transform sketches into three-dimensional reliefs.
Sculptor: 2013 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin Program
For the 2013 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin Program, Gaudioso sculpted the reverse design featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield, an olive branch in the right talon, and arrows in the left.
Sculptor: 2019 American Innovation $1 Coin Program - Georgia
Gaudioso was the engraver for the reverse design of Georgia’s coin in the 2019 American Innovation $1 Coin Program. This coin celebrates the Trustees’ Garden in Savannah and features seedlings of various fruit plants.
Sculptor: 2021 American Silver Eagle Coin Program
One of Gaudioso’s most notable achievements is engraving the reverse design for the Type II American Silver Eagle reverse. The new design marked the first time the U.S. Mint authorized a significant design change since the Silver Eagle series began over 30 years ago. The new reverse, which will appear on the series moving forward, features a naturalistic bald eagle gripping an oak branch, replacing the iconic heraldic eagle from the original design.
Retirement from the U.S. Mint
While Michael Gaudioso retired from the U.S. Mint a few years ago in 2020, today, he continues to apply his expertise and years of experience to the numismatic masterpieces he brings to life.
The 2024 225th Anniversary Washington Funeral Coin
To mark the 225th anniversary of the death of George Washington, the Commonwealth Mint issued commemorative coins that replicate the imagery of the original George Washington Funeral medals, brought to life by Michael Gaudioso. Using traditional 19th- and 20th-century techniques, he meticulously hand-sculpted and recreated the medal’s rustic details, including its rim denticles, delivering a tribute that beautifully bridges past and present.
Masters of Coin Design at GovMint
Michael Gaudioso’s recent retirement marks the departure of one of the most prestigious sculptor-engravers in the U.S. Mint’s history. To learn more about other decorated coin designers, including Beth Zaiken, Natanya Van Niekerk, Emily Damstra, and Susan Taylor, visit GovMint’s ongoing Masters of Coin Design series. This series highlights the artists and engravers who have shaped the world of collectible coins, celebrating their craftsmanship and contributions to numismatics. Explore the background of numismatic legends today!
Check Out These Stunning Works of Michael Gaudioso!
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2024 $1 1-oz Silver Eagle BUAvailable for Order
References
About Michael Gaudioso
Michael Gaudioso Coin Designs
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