With the aim of raising awareness among students who will lead the future of coin design, the Japan Mint is hosting the International Coin Design Competition (ICDC) 2026, inviting participation from students both in Japan and abroad.
Any student who is registered at any school and was born on or after 31 August 1996 is qualified to enter and submission of a coin design (the obverse and reverse sides) is required.
The best designs will be awarded with monetary prizes, plaques, certificates and more. The Grand Award is 100,000 yen.
Each entrant may adopt whatever theme he/she wishes for his/her work. Works for entry must be unpublished and original.
Designs must be drawn in accordance with the following specifications:
- Designs must be drawn in two perfect circles 120 mm in diameter (the obverse design should be on the left and the reverse design should be on the right) on a sheet of 210 mm x 297 mm (A4) paper.
- Designs must be drawn on the assumption that they are to be 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.
The following awards will be announced as part of The International Coin Design Competition 2026:
- Grand Award (one award): 100,000 yen and an award plaque
- Excellence Award (three awards): 30,000 yen and a supplementary prize
- International Award (one award): 30,000 yen and a supplementary prize (*)
- Special Jury Award: 10,000 yen and a supplementary prize
- Encouragement Award: Award certificate
Japan Mint hope this competition will lead to the discovery of many excellent works, and look forward to your creative and artistic coin designs.
Please check the official website for further information.
No Entry Fee!
It's free to enter.
