International Coin Design Competition 2008

Have you ever dreamed of your own design appearing on a coin? Do you want to win some cash at the same time? Well, you can be happy today because the Japan Mint is once again accepting entries for the International Coin Design Competition (ICDC) 2008!

The contest is open to all nationalities and has both a General and Student category. The contest has the aim of "encouraging coin designers around the world in their creative activities and enhancing the artistry of their coin designs."

For the General Category, all ages are eligible to join. all that is needed is a sketch and plaster design of the coin concept. A Y500,000 (about PhP200,000) prize, plaque, and medal based on his or her entry awaits the winner. Only a sketch design is required for the Student Category. The winner stands to win Y50,000 and an award plaque.

See more details at the Japan Mint website.

There were not that much entries sent in last year and looking at the winning designs, it might not be that hard to win. The contest does not aim to create new coins for circulation but will produce the coins in medallions such as last year's winner.

The deadline for entries is August 31, 2008 so you better start minting those creative ideas!