Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- Japan Mint
- Deadline
- 10/27/2026
In short
The International Coin Design Competition 2026 invites students worldwide to design a coin (obverse and reverse sides). The competition aims to raise awareness among future coin designers. Designs must be original, unpublished, black and white, and adhere to specific size requirements. Monetary prizes, plaques, and certificates will be awarded, with the Grand Award being 100,000 yen. The deadline for submissions is September 16, 2026.
The International Coin Design Competition 2026
By Japan Mint
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 10/27/202641 days left
100,000 yen Grand Award
Grand Award
Open to all students worldwide
Eligibility
Free to enter
Entry Fee
Deadline: September 16, 2026
Deadline
Overview
The International Coin Design Competition (ICDC) 2026 is hosted by the Japan Mint with the goal of raising awareness among students who are potential future leaders in coin design. The competition is open to students from both Japan and abroad, requiring participants to submit an original design for both the obverse and reverse sides of a coin. Participants are free to choose any theme for their work, but all submissions must be unpublished and original. Designs must conform to specific technical requirements: they are to be drawn in two perfect circles, each 120 mm in diameter, on an A4 sheet of paper, with the obverse on the left and reverse on the right. The designs should be rendered in black and white, assuming they are for a 30-mm diameter coin, and any drawing materials are acceptable. Each entrant is permitted to submit up to three works. The competition features several awards, including a Grand Award of 100,000 yen and a plaque, Excellence Awards, an International Award, a Special Jury Award, and Encouragement Awards. The Japan Mint expresses its anticipation for discovering many excellent, creative, and artistic coin designs. Entry to the competition is free of charge. The deadline for submissions is September 16, 2026, with results expected to be announced by the end of November 2026. Further details are available on the official website.
What to build
A coin design consisting of both an obverse and reverse side.
Prizes
Grand Award
One award, includes an award plaque
100,000 yen
Excellence Award
Three awards, includes a supplementary prize
30,000 yen
International Award
One award, includes a supplementary prize
30,000 yen
Special Jury Award
Includes a supplementary prize
10,000 yen
Encouragement Award
Award certificate
Key dates
- Deadline for submissions2026-09-16
- Results Announcement Expected2026-11-30
Eligibility
Any student who is registered at any school and was born on or after August 31, 1996, is qualified to enter.
How to enter
- Submit a coin design (obverse and reverse sides).
Submission requirements
- Works must be unpublished and original.
- Designs must be drawn in two perfect circles 120 mm in diameter (obverse on the left, reverse on the right) on a sheet of 210 mm x 297 mm (A4) paper.
- Designs must be drawn on the assumption they are for a coin of 30-mm diameter.
- Designs must be drawn in black and white.
- Any drawing materials are acceptable.
- Designs may not be creased or folded.
- Each entrant may submit up to three works.
Sponsors & partners
Japan Mint