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George T. Morgan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George T. Morgan
A photograph of the Mint engravers. Morgan is seated in the front row, second from right.
Chief Engraver of the United States Mint
In office
1917–1925
Preceded byCharles E. Barber
Succeeded byJohn R. Sinnock
Personal details
Born(1845-11-24)November 24, 1845
Birmingham, England
DiedJanuary 4, 1925(1925-01-04) (aged 79)
Germantown, Philadelphia, U.S.
Children3
OccupationEngraver

George Thomas Morgan (November 24, 1845 – January 4, 1925) was a United States Mint engraver who is famous for designing many popular coins, such as the Morgan dollar, the reverse of the Columbian Exposition half dollar, and the reverse of the McKinley Birthplace Memorial gold dollar.

Biography

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Morgan was born in Birmingham, England where he worked for many years as a die engraver. He came to the United States in 1876 and was hired as an assistant engraver at the Mint in October under William Barber. He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward, and designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. He became the seventh Chief Engraver of the United States Mint following the death of Charles E. Barber in February 1917.[1]

Morgan is most famous for designing the Morgan dollar,[2] one of many namesakes, as well as the never-released $100 Gold Union coin.

The Morgan silver dollar, designed in 1876, features an image of the Goddess of Liberty modeled by Anna Willess Williams
Morgan medal depicting Edward VII, c. 1875
George T. Morgan

Morgan married and had three children, Mrs. C. M. Morgan, Leonard P. and Phyllis. He died on January 4, 1925, at his son-in-law's home in Germantown, Philadelphia.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Artist George T. Morgan". Biography. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Forrer, L. (1909). "Morgan, George T.". Biographical Dictionary of Medallists. Vol. IV. London: Spink & Son Ltd. p. 148.
  3. ^ "George T. Morgan". The Philadelphia Inquirer. January 6, 1925. p. 20. Retrieved October 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  • Gibbs, William T. (October 2012). "Morgan's half dollars". Coin World: 4–5, 14, 20, 22, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • Lee, Karen M. (2013). The Private Sketchbook of George T. Morgan. Atlanta, Ga.: hitman Publishing. ISBN 978-079483822-5.
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Government offices
Preceded by Chief Engraver of the United States Mint
1917–1925
Succeeded by