Jiří Hanuš, DiS.

What led you to work on coins and medals?

It started with my mom always telling me to find something serious. Then I met my friend Asamat in high school and decided to find a “scapegoat” to copy for the rest of my life. That made my path easier and I didn't have to figure out what I wanted to do. I just told myself I was going to do exactly what Asamat did. So far, it's working pretty well.

Do you remember your first project for the Czech Mint?

Yes, that was back at the Jablonec Higher Vocational School. I didn't know what to do and I didn't want to do anything, so I designed a universal commemorative medal with just letters and numbers. No modelling, no work. And the mint issued it. So my first official medal was actually made out of pure laziness.

Can you count how many coins and medals were made under your hands?

About eight so far. I manage to count because I have fingers on my hands, and if by chance more realizations come, I have toes in reserve. As long as I don't have to borrow fingers from friends, I'm good.

Which commission from the Czech Mint pleased you the most? Which one do you remember the most?

The one that sticks in my mind the most is the commission for a coin with the motif of Lidice and Ležáky – a strong and sad theme that resonates with me to this day. But every theme has something to it and every commission is unique in some way. I always try to make sure that the design has a story and something that appeals to people.

What is your favourite subject?

Every time I try to figure out what subject matter is closest to me, I end up on Instagram and forget what I was actually doing. So probably the one that takes me to procrastination the least!

How do you find inspiration for your work? Where do you like to create the most?

I get inspiration from movies, TV shows, board games and Nintendo games. I like to create in my studio at my desk, under my desk, but sometimes I take my tablet to bed and create lying down in bed until I wake up.

Do you have a secret dream – something you want to achieve that you would consider a highlight in your career as a medal maker?

My secret dream is to push all other creators out of the top spots in the Czech National Bank competitions and ensure that I am the only one to receive all the rewards. This would stop everyone else from receiving a steady financial income and I would keep it all to myself. Once I've done that, I can finally stop being a medal maker – or maybe not…

2025