How does one become an engraver for the US Mint?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by usc96, Jul 4, 2010.

  1. usc96

    usc96 Junior Member

    Let's say someone was looking for a new hobby, say sculpting, and wants to strive for a 20 year goal like working as an engraver at the US Mint and playing a part in the design and minting of a US coin. Other than the obvious (you better hone your sculpting skills and be a damn good artist), what is the process? :smile
     
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  3. abe

    abe LaminatedLincolnCollector

    This is just a wild guess, but I'm gonna say "connections". I say this because anything that has to do with anything there are usually strings being pulled...
     
  4. Hobo

    Hobo Squirrel Hater

    You should have posted your question a week ago. Last Monday I attended the CCAC (Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee) meeting at ANA Summer Seminar where some Mint officials were in attendance. There I met (and got an autograph from) the current Chief Engraver for the US Mint - John Mercanti.
     
  5. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    First you need to establish your self as a professional artist. Then every year or two the Mint takes applications to replace the leaving participants of their artist infusion program. If you are selected you will work with the Mint for I believe two years submitting designs for coins and medals. (In some cases you can repeat your appointment to the artist infusion program.) Hopefully you will impress the Mint. Then whenever one of the Mint artists (Only Mercanti is actually an engraver now, the others are actually specialists in other fields.) retires they will advertise and take applications for the position. (Insider pull probably still helps, but it will be a big help if you made a Wow impression while you were one of the infusion artists.)
     
  6. usc96

    usc96 Junior Member

    Great answer. Thanks.
     
  7. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Oh, one further comment. You will probably have better luck being chosen as part of the infusion program if you specialize in computer graphics, graphic design, or other two dimensional artwork. So far in the entire period of the program they have only taken one person who was a sculptor and who had experience as a medalist. They keep lowering and lowering the relief on the coins they are looking for artists that specialize in art with NO relief.
     
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