Coin Design Artist. George Morgan was the seventh Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at Philadelphia and is most widely known for his design of the "Morgan" silver dollar, issued from 1878 to 1921. Born in Birmingham, England, Morgan studied in England and worked for many years as a die engraver at Messrs. J.S. and A.B. Wyon. The Director of the United States Mint, seeking to bring in new talent, offered Morgan a position on the Mint's staff. He arrived in 1876 and took up the position of assistant engraver in October of that year under William Barber, another English immigrant. He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward. Morgan designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. Eventually, Morgan took the role of Chief Engraver following the death of Charles E. Barber in February 1917. Morgan is famous in numismatics not only for his design of the silver dollar, but is also well know for the medals he designed for the Mint, often in collaboration with Charles Barber.
Coin Design Artist. George Morgan was the seventh Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at Philadelphia and is most widely known for his design of the "Morgan" silver dollar, issued from 1878 to 1921. Born in Birmingham, England, Morgan studied in England and worked for many years as a die engraver at Messrs. J.S. and A.B. Wyon. The Director of the United States Mint, seeking to bring in new talent, offered Morgan a position on the Mint's staff. He arrived in 1876 and took up the position of assistant engraver in October of that year under William Barber, another English immigrant. He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward. Morgan designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. Eventually, Morgan took the role of Chief Engraver following the death of Charles E. Barber in February 1917. Morgan is famous in numismatics not only for his design of the silver dollar, but is also well know for the medals he designed for the Mint, often in collaboration with Charles Barber.
Bio by: Heath MacAlpine
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