Chief Engravers

Chief Engravers of the United States Mint


The Chief Engraver is responsible for overseeing the design and engraving of coins, medals, and other official items produced by the mint. They play a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of a country's currency by creating and supervising the creation of coin and medal designs. Their duties often include:


  • Designing Coins and Medals- They are often skilled artists who creates original designs for coins and medals. These designs can reflect historical events, important figures, national symbols, or other themes.
  • Supervising Engraving Staff- The Chief Engraver leads a team of engravers and artists, overseeing their work, providing guidance, and ensuring that the mint's design standards are met.
  • Collaborating with Mint Officials- They work closely with mint directors, officials, and other key stakeholders to determine the themes and subjects for upcoming coinage.
  • Ensuring Quality and Accuracy- They ensure that the engravings meet high standards of quality, accuracy, and artistic merit. This includes overseeing the production process to maintain the integrity of the designs.


 Chief Engravers often engage in historical and technical research to accurately represent themes and events in their designs. This requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the technical aspects of engraving.


In some cases, they may also engage in public relations activities, representing the mint at events, participating in interviews, and interacting with the numismatic community.


NOTE: The responsibilities and title may vary from country to country. Whatever the title of the role may be, it is a crucial position for any country to maintain the artistic and historical integrity of a nation's currency and medals.


JOSEPH MENNA

2019 - Present


Joseph Menna, a highly accomplished artist and innovator, has left an enduring imprint on the realm of coin design through his tenure as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Renowned for his artistic excellence, Menna's profound contributions to numismatics are celebrated, highlighting his exceptional ability to breathe life into history through intricately crafted coins.



Share by: