Celebrate the Greatest Icons of Inspiration in Gold & Silver

Ninth Release: William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, the National Poet of England, serves as the newest release of our Icons of Inspiration coin series. Designed by Joel Iskowitz, this APMEXclusive® has a limited mintage of 10,000 silver BU coins, 100 silver proofs, and 100 gold BU coins. 10 silver BU and 10 gold BU coins have a certificate of authenticity signed by the renowned designer. The obverse of this coin showcases The Bard of Avon holding a feather quill, featuring the Globe Theater placed in front of him. Earth is in the background, and the edge displays the famous phrase “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” The reverse is the glorious muse that has graced each of the Icons of Inspiration releases.

Shakespeare's legacy is immortalized in 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and various poems, each a masterpiece illuminating the complexities of the human spirit. His unparalleled contribution to literature not only reshaped the English language but also left an indelible mark on theatre and storytelling. The Bard's influence extends beyond the literary world, inspiring countless adaptations in film, music, and art, making his work as relevant today as it was in the Elizabethan era.

Eighth Release: Johannes Gutenberg

The eighth release in the Icons of Inspiration series spotlights the revolutionary inventor, Johannes Gutenberg. As the inventor of the printing press, Gutenberg is often credited for the unprecedented mass spread of literature throughout Europe. The Johannes Gutenberg release includes 10,000 silver BU, 100 proof silver, and 100 gold BU coins. The obverse depicts Gutenberg holding a book while he’s using one of his most important inventions: the printing press. The reverse shows a majestic muse stretching one hand to the sun and resting the other on the Niue nation’s seal.

Seventh Release: Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was an American inventor who amassed 1,093 patents, either singly or jointly, by the end of his life. He is also credited with starting the world’s first industrial research lab. Some of his inventions included the phonograph, the incandescent lamp, a motion-picture camera, the alkaline battery, and the first commercial light and power system. His technological advancements helped the U.S. enter the modern age of electricity.

Sixth Release: Marie Curie

The sixth release in this series spotlights the world-renowned scientist, Marie Curie. Curie is a Polish-French physicist and chemist who made landmark discoveries about radioactivity. Curie is the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only woman to win a Nobel Prize twice. She was also the first woman professor of physics at Sorbonne University. Curie helped pave the way for women in science and her contributions to her fields impact society today.

Fifth Release: The Wright Brothers

The fifth release in this popular series showcases the famous Wright brothers: Orville and Wilbur Wright. These two are considered pioneers in American aviation because they invented, built, and flew the world's first successful motor-operated airplane in 1903. Additionally, the Wright brothers also invented aircraft controls that made fixed wing powered flight possible.

Fourth Release: Albert Einstein

The fourth installment of this Icons of Inspiration of series showcases Albert Einstein, who is revered as one of the most influential physicists of all time. He is most known for developing the theory of relativity, first predicting the existence of black holes, and making essential contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. Einstein’s work influenced the philosophy of science, and he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his contributions to the field of theoretical physics. The world-renowned scientist can be found on Silver and Gold coins that were designed by Joel Iskowitz. The year and denomination are also included.

Third Release: Sir Isaac Newton

The third release in this series features Sir Isaac Newton, an English astronomer, mathematician, physicist, and author known as one of the greatest physicists and influential scientists of all time. Newton remains an important figure in the philosophical revolution known as the Age of Enlightenment.

The Sir Isaac Newton coins include Silver BU, with a limited mintage of 10,000, as well as Proof Silver and Gold BU with a mintage of 100. The Proof Silver and Gold BU coins both come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Second Release: Leonardo da Vinci

The second release in this series features Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance man who was a master of various fields like painting, engineering, sculpting and architecture. While his most famous work is the Mona Lisa, he is also renowned for artwork like The Last Supper painting and the Vitruvian Man.

These da Vinci coins are BU Silver, with a limited mintage of 10,000, as well as Proof Silver and BU Gold with a mintage of 100 each.

First Release: Galileo

The first release in this exciting series features the Italian philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, Galileo, and is already sold out. He made several revolutionary telescopic discoveries, including the four largest moons of Jupiter. These 1 oz coins have limited mintages of 100 Gold, 100 Proof Silver and 10,000 BU Silver.

Designed by Joel Iskowitz, the obverse depicts Galileo holding a refracting telescope, one of his most famous innovations, alongside a globe and the moon. A rendition of his signature is below.

Artfully Designed Packaging

The gold BU and proof silver coins come in an Icons of Inspiration presentation sleeve with a custom box inside. This custom packaging comes with a tamper evident packaging option that adds collectibility and visual appeal to this superb series. Very limited numbers are available with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity by the artist.

About the Designer: Joel Iskowitz

Born in the Bronx, New York, Joel Iskowitz is a prolific United States coin designer. His goal is to bring humanity's story to life through the paintings, coins, stamps and medals that he designs. Joel has said, "What is important is the connection between the story in the artwork and the real human history." Joel is a story-teller, a narrative artist, whose ideas are conveyed through the images he creates.

Joel’s extensive portfolio includes 14 Congressional Gold Medals, 10 First Spouse Gold coins, and eight America the Beautiful Quarter designs. He has also created eight Silver and Clad Commemorative coins, five American Eagle Platinum Proof coins, four Presidential Dollars, and one Lincoln Cent reverse. He continues to create medallic art for non-profit foundations, governmental and private sector mints. Shop other coins designed by Joel Iskowitz.