Deadline: September 16, 2026
The International Coin Design Competition 2026 (ICDC 2026)
- Submission Deadline: September 16, 2026
- Open to students currently enrolled at any school (domestic and international)
- Participants must have been born on or after August 31, 1996 (i.e., no older than 30)
- Theme is freely chosen by the entrant, with no restrictions
- Works must be unpublished and original
- Each entrant may submit up to three works
- Two perfect circles of 120mm diameter must be drawn on A4 paper (210mm × 297mm) — obverse design on the left, reverse design on the right
- Designs must be created assuming a 30mm diameter coin
- Must be drawn in black and white
- Any drawing materials are acceptable
- Designs may not be creased or folded
- Grand Award (1 award): ¥100,000 and an award plaque
- Excellence Award (3 awards): ¥30,000 each and a supplementary prize
- International Award (1 award): ¥30,000 and a supplementary prize (designated for overseas participants)
- Special Jury Award: ¥10,000 and a supplementary prize
- Encouragement Award: Award certificate
The International Coin Design Competition (ICDC) is hosted by the Japan Mint with the aim of raising awareness among students who will lead the future of coin design. Participants are required to submit designs for both the obverse and reverse sides of a coin, with the theme freely chosen by the entrant, encouraging creative freedom. Judging criteria emphasize originality, artistic quality, and the design's suitability for the coin format (circular shape, 30mm diameter, black-and-white rendering). The competition features tiered awards including the Grand Award, Excellence Awards, an International Award (specifically for overseas participants), Special Jury Award, and Encouragement Awards, with monetary prizes, plaques, and certificates recognizing outstanding creators. The Japan Mint looks forward to discovering excellent works through this competition and providing students worldwide with an international platform to showcase their creativity and artistic talent.
