Figures in pop culture, like Superman, Homer Simpsons, Elvis Presley, and even the Olympics have appeared on or will soon be showcased on collectible coins. The coins will be featured during National Coin Week as part of the show’s theme, “Iconic Change: Pop Culture & Coins Unite!” Sponsored by the nonprofit American Numismatic Association, the event will be held on April 20-26, 2025.
“Coins are not just money,” American Numismatic Association President Thomas J. Uram of Pennsylvania said. “They’re pop culture time capsules. From superheroes to sci-fi, sports legends to blockbuster movies, coins have captured the icons we love. National Coin Week 2025 celebrates the surprising ways money and pop culture come together.”
National Coin Week will include contests and activities; ANA President Uram will host one in which contestants will try to identify all the initials on a challenge coin. Gold and silver coins will be the prizes, including a two-ounce silver Iron Man coin from Agoro Mint for the South Pacific island nation of Niue.
In 2025, the United States Mint will produce collectible coins and medals featuring Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman – all characters the Mint described as superheroes “who reflect American values and culture.”
“In recent years, other countries have produced coins depicting pop culture themes, such as Homer Simpson on coins struck by the Perth Mint for Tuvalu; Harry Potter, John Lennon, and Paddington Bear featured on various coins made by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom; and Elvis Presley on coins for Gibraltar made by the Dublin Mint,” American Numismatic Association Executive Director Kim Kiick said. “Many countries including the United States produce coins for the summer and winter Olympics as well as other sporting events. The US has also made coins honoring basketball, baseball, and Jackie Robinson.”
“Money is history you can hold in your hands. Each coin and banknote ever produced has a story to tell, from the first ancient coins struck 2,600 years ago to coins and currency made today around the world,” Uram said. “National Coin Week is the perfect time to celebrate the history and learn the stories.”
