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for George T. Morgan
George T. Morgan
American, born British, 1845 - 1925
As a youth, Morgan attended the Birmingham School of Art, where he formed a practical knowledge of sculpting and modeling. Showing an impressive aptitude for the field, he was soon awarded a scholarship to the South Kensington Art School. After his academic education, Morgan spent several years as an assistant at the British Royal Mint. There, he worked under the instruction of Messrs. J.S. & A.B. Wyon, who had established a multi-generational dynasty of engravers in the Tower Mint. Under their tutelage, Morgan fine-tuned his skill and knowledge of design and modeling.
In 1876, the U.S. experienced a boom in silver mining-the price of metal dropped as the supply grew. Many argued that by expanding the nation's money supply through the use of readily available silver, the nation's economic problems could be solved. Anticipating the passage of silver dollar legislation, the U.S. Mint began to authorize a multitude of new silver dollar patterns. However, much to Mint Director Henry R. Linderman's dismay, many were simply readapted designs of already existing motifs. Taking a rather bold initiative, Linderman sought an outside engraver who could bring a new energy and originality to American numismatics. Linderman reached out to C.W. Freemantle, Deputy Master of the Royal Mint in London to ask if he knew of anyone skilled and capable of becoming the assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint. Freemantle strongly recommended Morgan. Linderman was impressed by Morgan's credentials, and subsequently offered him the position of "special engraver" at the U.S. Mint.
During his time at the U.S. Mint, Morgan designed several varieties of 1877 half-dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" Dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" Coins. He also created medals commemorating the administration of every U.S. President since Rutherford B. Hayes. He had a long, successful career, but it was the design for his namesake dollar for which he is particularly remembered. ??The Morgan Dollar was struck intermittently from 1878 until 1921, spanning one of the most exciting periods in America-from the turn of the century to the Industrial Revolution to the rapidly developing economy. Over its 43-year life span the design underwent several slight modifications, though it was always considered by experts to be the peak of the engraver's art. Never before had a coin so aptly captured the essence of the nation, from the pride that Americans felt for their country to the beauty of patriotism.
Morgan established himself as a vital member of the U.S. Mint. Though by some standards, his career at the Mint was a disappointment. Following the death of Chief Engraver William Barber in 1879, many felt that Morgan had proven himself worthy of the post. However, the position went to Barber's son, Charles, who served until his death in 1917. It was only then that Morgan was named Chief Engraver. By this time, Morgan was 62 years old, and his "glory days" had been spent in an assistant engraver's position, where he only designed one regular issue coin and was routinely passed over by Barber for more illustrious designers.
Morgan served as Chief Engraver until his death in January of 1925. Despite his brief tenure in this prestigious post, his entire career substantiates his unquestionable talent. Throughout his time in both England and the United States, Morgan demonstrated a supreme sense of ingenuity and expertise in his work, proving himself a valuable part of American coinage, truly earning his place in the numismatic hall of fame.
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