Artistic Infusion Program Designer
Thomas Hipschen, an Iowa native, moved to Washington, D.C. in 1968 to participate in a ten year formal engraving apprenticeship offered by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He studied at George Washington University, American University and the Corcoran School of Art.
As a banknote picture engraver, Hipschen engraved over one hundred and thirty U.S. postage and revenue stamps. He also engraved the portraits of Benjamin Franklin, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln which appear on the current $100, $50, $20, and $5 U.S. banknotes, along with the vignettes on the backs.
Before retiring from the U.S. government in 2006, Hipschen trained a generation of apprentices to carry on the security engraving tradition for the U.S. Treasury Department. He is currently:
- A master instructor for the Intaglio Engraver’s Academy in Urbino, Italy
- A committee member for the International Banknote Designer’s Association
- An initial signator of its subset Intaglio Engraver’s Working Group
Hipschen’s privately commissioned engravings appear on banknotes, in print portfolios, souvenir cards and book plates for organizations and individuals throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Both his public and private works have garnered awards in many different artistic categories.
He currently shares a studio with his wife and teaches printmaking in Virginia.
Coin Design Credits
- 2024 Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Program – Clad reverse
- 2017 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program – Frederick Douglass National Historic Site reverse
- 2016 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program – Harpers Ferry National Historical Park reverse
- 2016 National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program – Clad reverse
Medal Design Credits
- 2021 U.S. Armed Forces Silver Medals Program – Coast Guard reverse