The Coin of the Year (COTY) Awards are the numismatic world’s grand stage, where coins vie for top honours in design, innovation, and storytelling. Hosted by World Coin News and the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money, this global event saw over 100 judges from 38 countries sift through 550 nominations to crown the best 2024-dated coins. Last week, in Oklahoma City, Austria’s 20 Euro “Supernova” silver coin stole the show, hailed as a “favourite among judges” for its cosmic flair. With a concave obverse showcasing the Crab Nebula and a vibrant, Hubble-inspired reverse, it’s a pocket-sized slice of the stars.
And these were the winners in various categories, each sparking buzz among collectors…
Most Historically Significant Coin
Austria’s 20 Euro silver coin unearths the gritty tale of Hallstatt’s ancient salt mines. Collectors marvel at this “white gold” tribute, a shimmering nod to the labourers who shaped economies.
Best Contemporary Event Coin
The Monnaie De Paris’ 10 Euro silver coin celebrates Notre-Dame’s revival post-2019 fire. Its gothic arches have numismatists raving about its heartfelt tribute to a cultural icon.
Best Silver Coin
Latvia’s cabbage-shaped 5 Euro silver coin, symbolising prosperity, has collectors charmed. Its quirky, leafy design is hailed as a “delightfully unique treasure.”
Best Crown Coin
Malta’s 10 Euro silver “Maltese Bee” coin, with its honeycomb design, buzzes with praise for honouring a national icon. It’s a sweet standout in numismatic circles.
Best Circulating Coin
France’s 50 Cent “Marie Curie” coin in Nordic gold celebrates the Nobel laureate. Enthusiasts call it “pocket change with scientific swagger” for everyday brilliance.
Best Bimetallic Coin
Austria’s 25 Euro silver-niobium “Edaphon – The Living Soil” coin blends metals to honour soil’s unsung heroes. Its vibrant design has collectors buzzing.
Most Innovative Coin
Another winner from The Monnaie De Paris, France’s 25 Euro silver “Notre-Dame – Microchip” coin, with a scannable microchip, wows as a “futuristic marvel,” blending tech and tradition in one bold design.
Most Inspirational Coin
Ukraine’s 5 Hryvnias nickel-silver coin, with its bandaged heart, honours medics. Collectors call it a “moving tribute” that pulls at the heartstrings.
Best Gold Coin
The Vatican’s 50 Euro gold coin, featuring barbed wire and olive branches, earns praise as a “poignant sermon in gold” for its message of hope amid conflict.
Most Artistic Coin
Tied with its overall win, Austria’s “Supernova” coin dazzles with cosmic artistry. Its Crab Nebula design is lauded as a “numismatic love letter to the stars.”
A Nod to Monnaie de Paris, France’s historic mint, secured three prestigious awards with a triple triumph: Best Contemporary Event, Best Circulating Coin, and Most Innovative Coin.
“Their visionary designs continue to set the numismatic world alight! We are delighted to be an authorised distributor for Monnaie de Paris and to showcase their extraordinary designs to the South African market.”
Rael Demby
Explore our collection from Monnaie de Paris.
