In 2025, as part of a licensing partnership announced in July between the U.S. Mint and DC Comics, the Mint will launch its Comic Art product line, featuring iconic superheroes on 1/2 ounce gold $50 coins (.9999 fine), 2-1/2 ounce and 1-ounce silver medals (.999 fine), and 1.2-inch clad medals, all in a proof finish. The series is designed to appeal to a younger, more diverse audience and encourage their involvement in numismatics.
In more recent developments, designs have been recommended for the series’ first release, which will feature Superman. Reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on Sept. 19 and later by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on Sept. 24, both panels approved the Mint’s presented designs with only a few suggested refinements.
The obverse design, crafted by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna, presents a unique depiction of Superman flying over his family farm, while the reverse, created by one of the Mint’s Medallic Artists, delves into how Clark Kent’s upbringing shaped his courage, compassion, and sense of responsibility.
In their review of the Superman designs, the CFA noted the following, in part:
"In their support of the proposed pairing, the Commission members suggested consideration of minimizing or removing the reverse design’s background clouds, expressing concern that these would obscure other elements of the composition, including the head of the young Clark Kent and the gold coin’s inscription, ‘United States of America’. They also noted that the juxtaposition of a vintage truck and a modern jet on the reverse may be confusing, and they suggested considering the use of a more contemporaneous propeller airplane consistent with the original comic. For the obverse, they commented that the artwork lacks a consistent character, with the barn shown in more realistic detail than the more stylized features characteristic of comic books, and they suggested that the barn could be stylized accordingly."
During discussions in the CCAC meeting, Mint officials noted that the truck on the reverse design would be generalized to avoid featuring a specific brand. In the end, CCAC members passed a motion to recommend the presented designs.
Series Background, Limits, and Future Expectations
As planned, the series will highlight three DC characters per year for three years, totaling nine designs. Each year, the designs will be struck in gold and silver, with the matching clad medals likely released the following year.
No mintage or sales time limits are expected for the 1-ounce silver medals and clad medals. However, the gold coins and 2.5-ounce silver medals are likely to be serialized, with mintage limits and available for just one year. Additionally, the clad medals are expected to be offered as sets of three rather than individually.
Alongside Superman, the first-year releases will include depictions of Batman and Wonder Woman.
During the CCAC meeting, Kirk Gillis, Acting Associate Director of Sales and Marketing for the U.S. Mint, revealed that the Mint has been in discussions with Marvel, with hopes of expanding the Comic Art program to include coins and medals featuring Marvel characters.
