Eagan, Minnesota, August 25, 2025

John Mercanti's full design archive along with current and future works debut exclusively with GOVMINT-launching the largest ongoing artist-led coin program in U.S. history.

GOVMINT, a leader in numismatics, today announced an exclusive and groundbreaking partnership with John Mercanti, former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver.

This collaboration deepens the parties' existing relationship while unlocking access to Mercanti's complete personal archive, a vast and largely unseen body of work that spans over 50 years. This treasure trove of drawings, plasters, casts and notes offers unprecedented access into the legacy and artistic development of America's most accomplished coin designer.

Highlights include a series of early hand-drawn studies of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin-figures Mercanti deeply admires for their foundational roles and bold leadership. These works span from Mercanti's early years as a 17-year-old to his mature pieces created in his retirement.

As GOVMINT continues organizing and curating the archive, the Mercanti collection will launch through coin sets, signed items, collectible prints and special-edition releases-each offering collectors a new way to own Mercanti's work.

This partnership marks the first time in U.S. history that a single coin designer's full creative archive is made available.

Mercanti joined the U.S. Mint in 1974 and became Chief Engraver in 2010. Over his career he conceived and crafted more than 100 coins, a record in American history, including the 1984 Olympic gold ten-dollar coin, the 1986 Statue of Liberty dollar coin, and the 1989 Congress Bicentennial gold five-dollar coin. In addition, Mercanti has designed and sculpted numerous Congressional Gold Medals, including those honoring civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and the heroic members of the WWII "Ghost Army."

Mercanti is acknowledged as America's foremost coin designer; his rare combination of vision, imagination, and craftsmanship puts him alongside legendary masters such as George T. Morgan and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. As USA Coin Book puts it: "Mercanti designed and engraved more coin designs than any other engraver in U.S. Mint history and is perhaps the most experienced and accomplished of the great engravers of the Mint."

A Legacy Forges Forward

GOVMINT believes the Mercanti collection will redefine the numismatics landscape and expand its allure into the art world. Seasoned collectors will be captivated by pieces never before offered, while new enthusiasts will discover an inviting and inspiring gateway into the rich world of coins and medals.

About GOVMINT

GOVMINT is the acknowledged leader in scarce coins and bullion, connecting passionate collectors and newcomers alike with the world's most rigorously curated selection of ancient artifacts, vintage coins, and contemporary creations. GOVMINT inspires people to fall in love with coins and the worlds they open.

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Eagan, Minnesota, November 3, 2025

Designs from America's Most Prolific Engraver Finally See Light After Years in Private Collection

GOVMINT today announced the exclusive release of the 2026 Mercanti Morgan Collection, featuring never-before-seen designs by legendary U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti. Drawn from his private collection and long held out of public view, these works are considered by Mercanti among the crowning achievements of his career-a tribute to 19th-century master George T. Morgan and his iconic 1878 Morgan Dollar.

"Sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries are hiding in plain sight," said Ted Smetana, CEO of GOVMINT. "These designs answer one of numismatics' greatest 'what if' questions: What if the legendary 1878 Morgan Dollar had been reimagined by America's most prolific modern engraver?"

When Past Meets Present
Mercanti crafted these designs as a personal homage to Morgan, blending classical American imagery with modern precision. Featuring Liberty crowned with stars and Mercanti's signature heraldic eagle, the coins unite two artistic legacies for the first time.

"Discovering that John had these complete, refined designs sitting unreleased felt like finding a lost chapter of American coin history," Smetana noted. "These pieces bridge two centuries of artistic excellence, showing us not just what was, but what could have been if these designs had seen the light decades ago."

Artistry Meets Innovation
The collection showcases dual ultra-high relief striking, a technique requiring multiple high-pressure strikes to achieve dramatic dimensional depth-far beyond what 19th-century minting could accomplish.

"When you hold one of these coins, you're not just holding precious metal-you're holding the convergence of two artistic legacies finally brought to life," explained Smetana. "It's the numismatic equivalent of discovering a master's unpublished manuscript."

The Complete Collection
The 2026 Mercanti Morgan Collection spans a range of gold and silver denominations-from 2oz Silver to 1 Kilo Gold Ultra High Relief Proof pieces-with limited mintages and exclusive collector sets available.

The Human Touch in a Digital Age
Each coin receives NGC's highest grading with First Day of Issue designation, and features Mercanti's personal hand-signed label, adding a deeply personal touch to each collectible.

"In our increasingly digital world, there's something profoundly meaningful about owning a piece of art signed by the artist himself," said Smetana. "These aren't just collectibles-they're connections to the people and stories that shape our cultural heritage."

About the Artist
Mercanti's 37-year career at the U.S. Mint produced more coin and medal designs than any other artist in its 233-year history. His Type 1 American Silver Eagle reverse design became one of the world's most recognized. Since retiring in 2010, he continues to design globally and author numismatic guides.