From penny portraits to coinage used for branding purposes, currency is not just used for purchasing products. Artists have commandeered this commodity for artistic statements, and even the US mint has printed out special edition coins for certain occasions.
For example, the US Mint curved coin was recently released to celebrate the National Baseball Hall of Fame and its 75th anniversary. This is more of a collectors item and not for putting into circulation, but I'm sure you could fool a few people into thinking it was a dollar if you tried. Artistic works other than penny portraits include maps made of coinage and even designer coins.
Collectors are sure to be pleased at the selection of redone currency available at their fingertips, and who know what these things could be worth in 20 years?
50 Currency Makeovers
50
Cartoony Coin Facelifts
'Tales You Lose' Presents Money Makeovers More Relevant to Pop Culture
49
Money-Disguising Seeds
‘Seed Money’ Coins Look Identical to Cash
48
Coveted Coincessories
Etsy Boutique 'Custom Coin Rings' Reworks Change into Jewelry Pieces
47
Pennies as Ad Mediums
Luckvertizing
46
Steampunk Coin Carvings
Artist Paolo Curcio Creates These Artistic Coin Carvings
45
Tools Made of Money
Coin Sculptures by Stacey Lee Webber
44
Pennies as Floor Tiles
The Standard Hotel New York Uses Currency as Interior Decor
43
Double-Sided Coin Rings
'The Ring Tree' Transforms the Contents of Your Change Purse
42
Custom Coin-Clad Vehicles
A Car Workshop in Dubai Specializes in Change-Covered Custom Luxury Cars
41
Change-Embedded Covers
The Coin 4 iPhone Case Puts Use to Run-Of-The-Mill Quarters
40
Currency Jewelry Couture
These Coin Rings Flaunt Your Money on Your Fingers
39
Coins as Clasps
Rare Mercury Dimes in Esprit-Mystique Jewelry
38
Creepy Coin Collections
The ‘Skull Nickels' Show the Art of Carving Wacky Currency
37
Contemporary Fraction Currency (UPDATE)
Infographic Coins Display Their Values Symbolically
36
Tiny Penny Portraits
Tondi Observations by Jacqueline Lou Skaggs Gives Copper Coins More Value
35
Crafty Currency Exhibits
The Money's Worth Exhibition at Galerie Sofie Lachaert Toys with Value
34
Money-Made Maps
The Currencies Around the World Maps Look Rather Expensive
33
Money Sculptures
Creative Currency Creations
32
Coin-Topped Canisters
Penny's Sweets Packaging Refrences the Past Price of Candy
31
Lumber Coin Coupons
Oinkster Burger Nickels Make for Forest-Approved Marketing
30
Wear Your Investment
$275,000 Gold Coin Gown
29
Prehistoric Glowing Currency
The Second Dinosaur in the New Canadian Coins Series
28
Diamind-Bearing Coins
The Taj Mahal Gold Coin Boasts 68 Hand-Set Cartier Diamonds
27
Shimmering Coin Chandeliers
The Argent Linear Suspension Lamp is a Cluster of Tiny Mirrors
26
Baseball-Inspired Monies
The US Mint Curved Coin is the First of Its Kind
25
‘Loonie' Anti-Oil Activism
Canada's Dogwood Intitiative ‘No Tankers'
24
Classic Film Coins
The Niue 'Star Wars' Currency Hopes to Boost its Government Coffers
23
Canuck Comic Book Currency
These Canadian Superman Coins Celebrate 75 Years of the Man of Steel
22
$300 Million Royal Mints
The Queen Elizabeth Gold Coin is a Diamond Studded Treasure
21
Computer-Generated Celebrity Currency
Coinye West is a New Online Currency, Sure to Change the Gam
20
Gold-Filled Swiss Vaults
This Historic Swiss Bank Vault for Sale is a Safe Bet
19
Furniture Made of Coins
Welded Chair Sells for $29,000
18
Cute Cartoonish Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint 2012 Celebratory Collection by Gary Taxali is Sweet
17
Literal Currency Wallets
Keep Your Loose Change in a Stylish Leather Coin Purse
16
Creepy Canadian Coinage
The Royal Canadian Mint Presents New and Terrifying Quarters
15
Secretive Coin Compartments
This Secret Stash is Deceptively Hidden in a Coin-Like Device
14
Coin Comprised Countries
Eric Penser Bankaktiebolag Makes Maps from Money
13
Apocalyptic Currency
These Silver Coins Represent Zombie Currency for When the End Comes
12
Coin-Covered Cars
Vauxhall Vehicle Has $4,000 Worth of Coins On It for PR Stunt
11
Sci-Fi Coin Banks
Kamen Rider ATM Coin Bank Will Keep Your Money Safe
10
Easier To Pick Up Coins
Beveled Edge, Angled Coins
9
Million Dollar Dimes
The 1870-S Half Dime Sells Big at Auction
8
Damaged Keepsake Campaigns
Prime Antiques Roadshow Ads Target Owners of Old Things
7
Sci-Fi Branded Coinage
New Zealand Mint Creates Doctor Who Coins
6
A Building Made Of Cash
5
Relationship Message Coins
These Clever Wooden Coins Feature Relationship Help Sayings
4
DIY Retro Coin Counters
This Old School LEGO-Made Coin Sorter Can be Built at Home
3
Classy Coin Cufflinks
World Cufflinks Creates One-of-a-Kind Accessories for Men
2
Olympic Collectors Cash
Five Pound Commemorative Coins for London 2012
1
Designer Coins
Chanel 125th Anniversary Euro by Karl Lagerfeld
Related Ideas
Repairable 3D-Printed Purses
The MALINKO Design Reusable Bag Prioritizes Style and Sustainability
Regal Birthday-Commemorating Coins
The Royal Mint Celebrates King Charles III's Birthday
Authenticated Luxury Shops
The eBay Luxury Exchange Accepts Pre-Owned Luxury as Currency
Modern Metallic Wallet Designs
The Craighill Summit Card Case Has a Sophisticated Construction
Artist-Inspired Fountain Pens
Montblanc Unveils Its Latest Vincent van Gogh Inspired Fountain Pens
Deadstock-Derived Footwear Collections
These 'Dr. Martens' Shoes Are Made From Surplus Materials
Coin Pendant Jewelry
Jane Win's Designs are Inspired by Nomadic Coin Jewelry
Illuminated Mirror Power Banks
The Conceptual 'Mica' Power Bank Has a Multifunctional Design
Sneaker-Inspired Card Holders
Nike Presents the Air Max 1 Card Holder in a Royal Blue Tone
Vintage-Inspired Candle Designs
The Maker Offers a Selection of Candles at Sephora
Football-Themed Collectible Candles
Cent Ldn Launches its World Cup-Themed Candle Collection
Three-Sided Coins
Vdk Created a 3D Coin to Spark Conversations About Money, People and the Planet
Customized Valentine's Cards
Angel's Envy is Sharing Personalized Cards for Valentine's Day
Optical Illusion Fidget Toys
The MEZMOCOIN INFINITY Spins for Up to 25-Minutes
Customizable Silver Jewelry
MELT Jewelry's Collection is Fully Customizable Using Twist Mechanisms
80s Punk-Inspired Streetwear
The Hundred Delivers its New Collaboration with Manic Panic
Spooky Charming Pet Portraits
Crown & Paw Unveils Spooky Halloween Collection to Showcase Pets
Consumption-Inspired Fashion Capsules
LOUTRE snd Dover Street Market Work on a New Capsule
One-of-One Clothing Collections
mmERCH Uses Generative Design to Create "Neo-Couture"
Fashion-Branded Coffee Carriers
The Barbour Tartan Reusable Travel Mugs Come in Two Options
Rediscovered Iconic Masterpieces
A Long-Lost Work from Gustav Klimt Will Embark on a Global Tour
Playable Beer Coasters
This Budweiser Campaign Uses Vinyl Coasters to Support Underground Artists
Upcycled Crushed Velvet Sneakers
Converse Made Its New Design from Discarded Clothes
Late Artist-Honoring Loafers
G.H. Bass Joins Fred Perry and the Amy Winehouse Foundation
Circular Workwear Resale Platforms
Carhartt Customers Can Trade In Used Apparel For a Gift Card
Artwork-Covered Tech Products
The Lexon x Keith Haring Collection Includes Four Products
Posh Celebratory Pocket Watches
The Citizen 100th Anniversary Special Edition Pocket Watch is Chic
Artistic QSR Merch
Starbucks Unveils New Collection in Collaboration with Artist Tim Singleton
British Author-Honoring UK Coins
JRR Tolkien is Featured on a Commemorative UK Coin
Limited Coffee-Making Accessories
Grind and Henry Holland Studio Unveil a New Collection
Miniature Baking Collectibles
Make It Mini Food Collectibles Can Be Made & Displayed
Chic Artist-Designed Wallets
COMME des GARÇONS Wallet Taps Artist Diana Ejaita for a Wallet Series
Limited-Edition Baseball Cap Nfts
9dcc and Stapleverse Enter into a Web3 Fashion Collaborations
Stunning Origami Portraits
João Charrua's Creations are Intricate and Eye-Catching
Time-Telling Cufflinks
The Creamy Patina 2023 Collection Takes After Iconic Vintage Watches
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Fine Art-Inspired Fashion
Pacsun & The Met Collaborated on a Covetable Apparel Capsule
Blockchain-Enhanced Tee Designs
9dcc Makes a Bold Statement with F*CK FIAT Limited Edition Tee
Cheeky Wallet Designs
Thomas Finney Designs a Minimalist and Playful Condom Wallet
Flannel Patterned Timeless Collections
Converse Presents the Nostalgic Upcycled Flannel Chuck 70
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Inaugural Utilitarian Handbags
The New MSCHF Handbag is Designed with Style and Function
Wearable Art Watches
Masterpiece On Your Wrist Makes Art from the Louvre Wearable
Anniversary-Honoring Vintage Drinkware
Starbucks and Disney Join Forces on a New Collection
Sculpted Meteorite Handbags
The Mini Meteorite Swipe Bag is Made from a Piece of Space Debris
Traveling Fine Art Campaigns
EasyJet's Get Out There Features Mona Lisa, The Thinker and More
Collectible Condiment Packets
Heinz's Saucemerica Collection Features 50 US-Inspired Designs
Digital Currency Piggy Banks
This 'Smart Piggy' Bank Concept Upgrades a Classic
Sculptural AR Installations
Revolut's Platinum Portal Shares the Benefits of a Luxury Card
Coined-Sized Expanding Makeup Wipes
The Skin Sheet Offers Cleansing Coins for Easy Makeup Removal
Upcycled Circular Design Products
Cyrc Designs Expansive Products with Sustainable Themes
NFC-Enabled Upcycled Jeans
MNTGE's Fruits & Veggies Edition Links to a Non-Fungible Token
Coin-Pocket Logo Sneaker Designs
The Nike Air Force 1 Gets a Swoosh Pocket Design Logo
Artist-Inspired Dynamic Basketballs
round21 Designs Basketballs Inspired by Basquiat and Haring
Skateboard-Inspired Stamp Collections
USPS Announces Unique Stamps Celebrating Skateboard Culture
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Kintsugi-Inspired Piggy Banks
The 'Penny' Piggy Bank by Dario Narvaez Can Be Reassembled
Eco-Friendly Wishing Well Coins
The Conceptual 'Wishing Feed' Coin is Made of Dried Algae
Retro-Tinged Beer-Branded Apparel
Coors Joins Huckberry to Launch a Capsule of Apparel
Coin-Style Disc Shaped Cutters
The Quarter Cutter by Uncrate Supply is Made from Japanese Steel
Lunar New Year-Inspired Noteboooks
Moleskine Adds New Designs to the 3 Artists, 3 Countries Series
Intentionally Dented Luggage Designs
There is a New and Upgraded Crash Baggage Edition
Everyday Fine Gold Jewelry
Ginto Studio Creates Jewelry Made to be Worn, Loved, and Passed Down
Commemorative Fashion NFTs
The CFDA is Unveiling Non-Fungible Tokens & a Metaverse Exhibition
Board Game-Themed Fashions
The Shoe Palace x Monopoly Collection Includes an Array of Styles
Interestingly Shaped Candle Holders
Poise Candle Holder is Available Through Origin Made
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Lunar New Year Campaigns
self-portrait's New Collection Celebrates Family Tradition
Lunar New Year-Inspired Jewelry
Jane Win is Set to Launch the Year of the Dragon Pendant
Collectable Singer-Honoring Coins
The Royal Mint Unveils a Special George Michael Coin
Self-Cleansing Antimicrobial Vases
The POTR Letterbox Vase Leverages Copper Properties
Bread-Themed Fascinators
For the Kentucky Derby, Panera Made a Bread Hat with 3D-Printed Details
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Secondhand Fashion Editorials
Vinted Styled a Shoot Exclusively with Vinted Finds
Crowned Monarchy Minted Coins
The Royal Mint Unveils New Coins with King Charles III
Trading Card Collector Camps
eBay's Collectors Camp Provides Insights, Tools & Strategy
Travel Trunk-Inspired Shelves
The Louis Vuitton Cabinet of Curiosities by Marc Newson is Artistic
Luxe-Jewelry Artful Holiday Cards
Tiffany & Co Celebrates the Work of Andy Warhol for 2022
Playful Interactive Galleries
PLAY by American Express Platinum Reimagines Toys as Art Pieces
Limited-Edition Collector's Boxsets
PLEASURES Collaborates with Hat and Beard Press
Collectible Sci-Fi Coins
The Royal Mint Created Star Wars Coins to Mark a Meaningful Anniversary
Streetwear-Branded Punching Bags
Justin Reed Delivers a Custom Chrome Hearts Punching Bag
Luxurious Graphic Retro-Tinged Fashion
YSL Presents The Vintage Collection of Band Merch
Intricately Crafted Brass Lighters
Zippo Unveils the 20th of April Collection of Lighters
Iconic Artwork Watch Collaborations
These Artful Watches Feature Masterpieces from the MET
Old-Fashioned Cartoon Cereal Tins
This Mickey Mouse-Themed Collector’s Metal Tin is Collectible
1980s Athletic Club Collections
Miller Lite and Mitchell & Ness Revive Iconic 1980s Capsule
Time-Altering Digital Portraits
The MyHeritage Time Machine Feature Alters Portraits
Memorial Monarch Coins
This Black Toonie Commemorates Queen Elizabeth II
Digital City-Inspired Art Works
New Digital Art is on Display in Grand Central Station
Collectible Digital Jerseys
Manchester City's Unseen City Shirts Redesign Jerseys as NFTs for Fans
Afro-Luxe 90s-Inspired Purses
Orijin Culture Recently Relaunched the Beloved Medallion Bag
Community-Honoring Graphic T-Shirts
AELIZA Joins New Currency on a Collaborative Tee
Reversed-Themed Classic Sneakers
Nike Introduces the New Icon Flip Collection of Sneakers
Artist-Crafted Upcycled Fashion Collections
Noel Mercado Launches the 'Earth Tones' Capsule
Reverse Vending Machines
NatWest's Machine Helps Consumers Recycle Unwanted Plastic Cards
Reusable Classical Artwork Exhibitions
Recycling Beauty at Fondazione Prada is a Remarkable Study
Kid-Friendly Gift Currencies
DoorDash is Accepting Kid Currency for This Year's Mother's Day
Indigenous Representation Campaigns
Change The Bill Aims to Have More Indigenous Representation
Offline Newspaper Publications
County Highway Revives Print Culture
Artist-Inspired Intricate Timepieces
Jaeger-LeCoultre Adds to the Reverso Tribute Collection
Inflated Dynamic Design Exhibitions
Vienna Design Week Hosts the Series Exhibition this Year
British Vintage-Tinged Streetwear
Yardsale Presents its Latest Collection of Retro Looks
Romantic Narrative-Inspired Fashion
Edward Cuming Unveils a New Capsule for the SS24 Season
Tax-Season Online Campaigns
These Video Ad Spots Urge Canadians to Take Advantage Of Tax Benefits
Human Candle Campaigns
These Human Statues of Candle Wax Bring Attention to Youth Burnout
Collectible Phygital Sunglasses
Weekday & The Fabricant Created Two Artifact 001 Colorways
Modular Typography Stamp Sets
Will Mower and Open Press Project Design the BlockFace Kit
Animal Print-Inspired Luxe Loafers
Duke + Dexter Launches a New Printed Wilde Penny Loafer
Wavy Panelling Collaborative Sneakers
Stüssy and Nike Unveil a New Joint Air Max Penny 2 Sneaker
Employee-Designed Milk Cartons
EveryDay Milk Shares Artwork by the Town and Country Markets Team
Mesmerizing Fluid Art Installations
Dutch Invertuals Creates the Flow Fountain Installation
Revamped Monolithic Galleries
The Revamped National Portrait Gallery Emphasizes Public Space
Artful Wedding Stationery
The Minted x The Met Wedding Collection Makes Masterpieces Customizable
Pop Art Stamp Collections
The U.S. Postal Service Roy Lichtenstein Stamps Come in Five Styles
Mechanical Vintage Dice Designs
W&M Levsha Creates a Trigger-Activated Die with Vintage Themes
Collaborative Penny Loafer Collections
Duke + Dexter Presents a Collaboration Alongside Playboy
Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings
SOLDIER Presents the Passport Series of Artful Looks
Nostalgic QSR Coin Games
Taco Bell is Relaunching its 'Coin Drop' Game for Rewards Members to Play
Exclusive Wizard-Themed Coins
The Royal Mint and Harry Potter Launch Final Coin Item in Collection
Waterfall-inspired Stamp Designs
The U.S. Postal Service Debuts 12 New Waterfall Forever Stamps
Reworked Upcycled Streetwear Capsules
clothsurgeon Presents the Changing of the Guard Collection
World Expo Commemorative Coins
This Osaka-Kansai World Expo 2025 Coin is Minted in Silver
Striking Wearable Sculpture
Jared Zhang Launches a Wearable Sculpture in No Minimum Online Auction
Artist-Backed Whiskey Collaborations
Lambay Whiskey Debuts the ‘Lambay Unearthed’ Virtual Auction
Cultural Heritage-Themed Exhibitions
nendo sees Kyoto Displays Artful Pieces of Japanese Craft
Miniature Elastic Paper-Turning Aids
Plus Designs the Mecreicco Catch to Flip Papers Over
Sophisticated Copper Mirrors
Manu Bañó Showcases His Adeptness with Copper Through OBJ-08 Mirrors
Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks
Danny Cortes Captures Iconic Hip-Hop Moments Through Art
Fictional Wizard Collectible Coins
The Royal Mint Showcases the Harry Potter Collection
Immigration System-Inspired Artworks
SOLDIER's Passport Series Confront the Biased Justice System
Mysterious Painted Car-Door Auctions
Banksy's Crazy Horse Artwork Goes to Auction
Galactic-Inspired Stationary Pins
Duncan Shotton Designs the Adorable Planet Pins
Curated Wedding Marketplaces
Minted Weddings Marketplace is a Destination for Decor, Gifts & More
Cash-Gifting Greeting Cards
Hallmark + Venmo Cards Simultaneously Share Heartfelt Messages & Money
Artist-Themed Apparel Collections
Buttercloth Launches a Collection with the Van Gogh Museum
Artful Bronze Horse Sculptures
Deborah Butterfield Presents Her New Exhibition in New York
Natural Landscape-Themed Passports
The Government of Canada Refreshes Its Passport Designs
Anniversary-Themed Royal Coins
Royal Mint Debuts a New Coin Celebrating the Lifeboat Charity
Commemorative US Coins
The US Mint Roll Out Coins Celebrating the Bicentennial of Harriet Tubman