U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program
The U.S. Mint invites artists to design coins and medals through its Artistic Infusion Program. Applications open January 8, 2026.
The United States Mint is inviting professional artists to apply for its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), a long-running initiative established in 2003 that brings external creative talent into the design process for U.S. coins and medals. This program expands the artistic pool for numismatic design by contracting with external artists who work alongside U.S. Mint staff throughout the year.
Applications are now open and must be submitted online between January 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST and February 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 Phase Two receive a $1,500 fee.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a professional artist 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
Compensation and Recognition:
- AIP artists are paid $3,000 per assignment
- 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
- Artist information is included on Certificates of Authenticity and other Mint-issued materials
The U.S. Mint continues efforts to broaden the range of artistic voices contributing to numismatic design as future releases take shape.