DC and the U.S. Mint’s Historic Partnership Celebrating Comic Art

1 day ago 3

Published Feb 6, 2026, 9:46 AM EST

Sean O’Connell is a globally recognized film journalist and author who has been covering Hollywood since 1999. His byline has appeared in USA Today, The Washington Post, CinemaBlend, and Fandango, to name a few. He is a longstanding member of the Critics Choice Association, and has served on the organization's Board of Directors since 2018. For years, Sean traveled the world co-hosting the industry-respected film podcast ReelBlend with fellow Critics Choice Association members Jake Hamilton and Kevin McCarthy. The pod became a favorite interview stop for prestigious filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Sir Ridley Scott, Greta Gerwig, The Russo Brothers, Zack Snyder, and Tom Hanks. A rabid comic book geek, Sean has published three nonfiction books that delve deep into the entertainment industry: Release the Snyder Cut, detailing the controversial saga of Zack Snyder’s Justice League; With Great Power, an in-depth retelling of Spider-Man’s history in Hollywood, and; Bruce Willis: Celebrating The Cinematic Legacy Of An Unbreakable Hollywood Icon.

For more than 230 years, the United States Mint has produced coins and medals that reflect America’s values, commemorate defining moments, and honor influential figures in our nation’s history. In recent years, that tradition expanded in a historic new direction: recognizing comic art as a uniquely American artform and the values it has conveyed through visual storytelling for generations.

In 2025, the U.S. Mint entered a landmark partnership with DC, launching a collectible coin and medal series that celebrates comic book art and its lasting cultural impact. This collaboration marked the first time the Mint formally featured superheroes from American popular culture, acknowledging comic art’s role in expressing ideals such as justice, freedom, courage, responsibility, and hope.

The series features nine iconic DC Super Heroes, depicted in original, comic-inspired designs on 24-karat gold coins, .999 fine silver medals, and non-precious metal (clad) medals. The series debuted in summer 2025 with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and continues with six additional characters scheduled for release across 2026 and 2027.

This initiative represents the first public–private partnership of its kind and scale in U.S. Mint history. All obverses (heads side) are designed and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver, Joseph Menna, while each reverse (tails side) is created by one of the Mint’s Medallic Artists under his artistic direction. Together, these designs reflect the Mint’s commitment to craftsmanship while honoring comic art as an enduring visual medium.

The Mint selected DC for this series in recognition of its foundational role in the comic art industry and the natural alignment of its characters with American values. Founded in 1934 as National Allied Publications, DC is among the world’s oldest comic book publishers and has helped shape generations of storytelling across comics, film, and television. Through characters that stand for truth, justice, courage, and the belief that individuals can make a difference, DC’s comic art has long reflected ideals that resonate deeply with American culture.

This ongoing collaboration marks a new chapter in the U.S. Mint’s history—one that bridges American craftsmanship, popular culture, and artistic expression. By celebrating comic art through coins and medals, the Mint acknowledges its lasting influence on storytelling, creativity, and shared values. Visit usmint.gov/dc to learn more.