John M. Mercanti Signature Coins
John M. Mercanti is the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and is a living legend among the coin collecting world. He is one of the most respected and prolific coin engravers of the modern era. During his 36 year tenure at the U.S. Mint, he was known to be an extremely active coin designer, where he has been attributed to the design of over 100 coins and medals.
His designs continue to be some of the most recognizable today and can be seen on coins such as the American Silver Eagle and the American Platinum Eagle. Over the past few years, Mercanti has been working closely with Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), a third-party rare coin certification, where he has agreed to individually sign labels of exceptional coins as a guaranty of their excellence on behalf of the organization.
Mercanti’s Prolific Work in Coins and Medals
Mercanti’s touch can be seen in many coins released over the past 40 years, including coins that rank among some of the most recognized and widely collected today. In the groundbreaking 50 States Quarters Program, he managed the designs for Arkansas, Iowa, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. He has also personally designed eight commemorative coins, including the 1984 Gold Olympic $10, 1991 Mount Rushmore Gold $5, and the 1986 Statue of Liberty Silver $1. His work has also been seen in medals, such as the Congressional Gold Medals, 1992 White House Bicentennial Medal, and President George H.W. Bush’s 1989 Inaugural Medal. To recognize his outstanding decades of work, Mercanti was awarded the position of Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, a position that had previously been vacant for over 15 years.
Publications and Other Accomplishments
Mercanti’s involvement with numismatics has continued long after he left the U.S. Mint, where he has published critically acclaimed reference book, American Silver Eagles, A Guide to the U.S. Bullion Coin Program. Mercanti has also been actively involved in the design of coins long after his departure, where he helped the Australian government create the Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle for the Perth Mint. Today, Mercanti works closely with NGC to ensure that all coins he signs are some of the best available today.
About the Author
