How a Photomint is Made

By Dee Dee Smith

Photo mints (a combination of photos and mint coins) are an artistic commemoration of a sports player, team, event or landmark.  These art pieces house a collection of memorabilia including photos, commemorative coins or pieces of items such as game nets, bats, footballs or jerseys. 

One of the most well-known minting (photomint making) companies is Highland Mint.  Highland Mint, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, began as producers of bronze, silver and gold mint coins.  The company has since expanded their product line to include sports collectibles such as mint coins and photomints.  The Highland Mint company currently holds licenses from all of the major sports leagues including Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL) and the National Hockey League (NHL).  

Photomints are created based upon a theme/subject.   A photo mint might commemorate: 

·         An individual athlete such as Brett Favre

·         An accomplishment or milestone in an athlete’s career such as Barry Bonds' 755th home run

·         A special sporting event such as the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup or World Series

·         A particular sports team 

·         A sporting venue/stadium

Photomints house various collectibles such as :

·         Pictures

·         Infield Dirt Coins

·         Franchise Coins

·         League Coins

·         Stadium Coins

·         Logo Coins

·         Commemorative Flip Coins

·         Hall of Fame Coins

·         Team Logos

·         Fragments of used game items/equipment

The photomint artist might also use custom headers, banners or nameplates to complete his/her design.  Once the layout is complete, the items are double, or even triple matted in appropriate colors.  The final touch is the addition of a numbered certificate of authenticity.  Certificates may also include pertinent photomint data such as team statistics, scores, player bios, franchise history, etc.  Photomints come framed and ready for hanging.

Limited Editions

Photomints are presented as limited edition collector items.  Limited Edition simply means that only a certain number of these items are or ever will be produced.  The number of pieces is decided by the minting company. 

Licensing

Many photomints are also officially licensed by the major sports leagues, as well as other reputable sports entities like the Professional Football Hall of Fame.