National Coin Week 2024 is being celebrated around the United States from April 21 through April 27. This national holiday has been celebrated since 1923 and celebrates the wonderful hobby of coin collecting. PCGS honors this beloved annual tradition by shining the light on a diverse array of individuals who love coin collecting and recount the very first coin that helped get them started on their numismatic journey.
Today, United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Elana Hagler explains how a project early in her art endeavors with the U.S. Mint kicked off her illustrious career in numismatics…
“The design that I applied with for the Artistic Infusion Program was for the American Liberty Gold Coin and Silver Medal,” Hagler says. “While it didn't wind up getting selected that year (Beth Zaiken's Bucking Bronco is an iconic design!), it managed to get me started working with the United States Mint. And it made it that much more special when my Bristlecone Pine design was selected for the following American Liberty [Medal].”
She says working with the U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program inspired her to learn more about numismatics. “Everything about the process of researching and designing for that program was eye opening to me. While I had already been a professional artist for many years, I relished learning how to apply my skills to the very specific requirements of designing for coins and medals.”
Hagler remarks that her love of coins goes back to her childhood. “I have been playing with coins since I was a young kid. When my son Asher was born, my grandfather Haim, upon first seeing him in the hospital, put a gold coin into his tiny hand. I love coins for their artistry, their symbolism, and the fact that I can pass down something so beautiful and meaningful to future generations.”
Check in with us tomorrow as we continue our National Coin Week Collector Spotlight Series.
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