Yes. A photo of an existing coin is one of the most useful references you can send, and our artists will redraw the design from it. A photo is not artwork, so the design is rebuilt rather than copied directly.

What makes a usable reference photo:

  • Both faces, shot separately and square to the camera rather than at an angle
  • Even light, with no flash glare on the plated surface
  • Close and in focus, so fine lettering and line work are readable
  • A plain background, with the coin filling most of the frame
  • Any detail you want changed, noted in writing alongside the photo

A worn or damaged coin is still worth sending. Our artists reconstruct the line work rather than tracing the image, so wear in the photo does not carry into the new die.

One thing to settle before the design stage: if the coin belongs to another unit, agency or organisation, the question is whether you are authorised to reproduce it. Recreating your own unit’s older coin is routine. Copying someone else’s is a different matter.

Send the photo when you request a free quote, or see coins we have produced in the gallery.