Coins are transforming from traditional currency circulation means to commemorative coins and artistic coins. The paradigm shift in the coin industry is a global phenomenon, and there are voices calling for a swift response to these changes domestically as well.
The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO) recently announced on the 12th that it attended the ‘2025 World Money Fair’ held in Berlin, Germany, to observe the latest trends in the coin industry worldwide.
The World Money Fair (WMF) is the largest global currency culture industry fair held annually since 1974. The fair gathers representatives from central banks and mints of 50 countries, as well as about 300 companies in fields such as precious metal refining, machinery, finance, and distribution.
Participants of the World Money Fair (WMF) are taking a commemorative photo in front of the oversized Maple art coin (silver coin). Photo by Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation
WMF attendees focused on the paradigm shift in the coin industry of major countries worldwide amid the rapid decline in coin usage due to the acceleration of digital payment methods. There is a strong trend toward coins issued for purposes other than circulation, such as commemorative coins and artistic coins with various themes, becoming mainstream instead of traditional circulating coins.
In particular, at WMF, the Royal Canadian Mint attracted attention by unveiling for the first time a giant artistic silver coin featuring the maple leaf, limited to 299 pieces, weighing 10 kg.
The Royal Australian Mint also drew interest by releasing a commemorative coin celebrating the 25th anniversary of the popular animation ‘SpongeBob.’ Additionally, major mints showcased commemorative coins themed on the Year of the Snake (乙巳年) to mark the occasion.
Notably, major countries worldwide have recently been issuing series of commemorative coins on diverse themes such as national films, myths, and traditions, rather than limiting them to one-time national events. Some coins feature polygonal shapes or incorporate technologies like embedded gemstones, stimulating collectors’ desire.
Korea is also continuing efforts to widely promote national events and issues globally by issuing various commemorative coins. At WMF, the commemorative coin titled “Korea’s Key Industries and Economic Development,” issued at the end of last year, was introduced and received high praise from major mints for Korea’s embossing technology and design expression capabilities.
Recently, major countries such as the United States (Eagle), China (Panda), and Canada (Maple) have been actively issuing not only commemorative coins but also artistic coins. Artistic coins are mainly produced by engraving national symbols on precious metals and are issued annually. Among collectors, artistic coins are increasingly recognized as both works of art and safe assets.
Officials from the United States and French mints stated, “The era of producing coins solely for circulation purposes has ended, and now is the time when coins with special value are gaining attention. Going forward, commemorative and artistic coins will establish themselves as precious collectibles that embody a nation’s history and culture beyond being investment tools.”
Seong Chang-hoon, President of KOMSCO, said, “At WMF, we were able to grasp the paradigm shift movements in the coin industry pursued by countries worldwide. KOMSCO will strive to enable the global recreation of cultural content by releasing commemorative and artistic coins linked to the Korean Wave culture.”
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