![]() ![]() ![]() Morgan was impressed with her profile and described it as the most perfect he had seen in America. ![]() During the search for the perfect American profile, Morgan rejected several potential models for Miss Liberty until artist Thomas Eakins introduced him to Miss Williams. Morgan based the design on local teacher Anna Willess Williams, who had been his model for an 1877 pattern half dollar. Linderman launched a design competition between Morgan and Charles Barber, and, ultimately, chose Morgan’s design depicting the profile of an American woman. The project accelerated in 1878 upon passage of the Bland-Allison Act, legislation that required the Treasury Department to buy $2 million to $4 million worth of silver bullion each month and convert it into standard silver dollars consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Soon after Morgan first arrived in America, he and Linderman discussed returning to a design with the head Miss Liberty and an eagle on a new silver dollar to replace the Liberty Seated design that had been in use since 1836. Morgan designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 'Schoolgirl' dollar, and the 1882 “Shield Earring” coins. Over a long period of time he produced a variety of pattern coins, many of which are highly admired today for their beauty and all of which are rare. Morgan is most famous for designing the Liberty Head silver dollar that collectors designate with his name. Morgan passed away suddenly on January 4, 1925, at his home in the Germantown district of Philadelphia at age 79. Morgan was finally named chief engraver in 1917 at the age of 72, upon the death of Charles. Morgan remained with the Philadelphia Mint for many years, working as assistant engraver under Chief Engraver William Barber until the chief engraver’s death in 1879, after which his son Charles Barber stepped into the position. In fact, it was so uncomfortable that Morgan did his Mint work at home for a time. There he received a warm welcome from Linderman and Mint Superintendent James Pollock, but a much cooler one from the Barbers. After corresponding with his new supervisor, Morgan sailed from Liverpool, England and arrived in Philadelphia in October. The recommendation alone convinced Linderman to hire the 30-year- old Morgan for the job. Fremantle highly recommended Morgan, who was trained in all technical aspects of engraving and also in medal and coin production. Linderman also believed, according to his letters, that the British Mint’s engraving processes were more refined and elegant than those used in American mints. Chief Engraver William Barber and his son, Charles, already worked at the Philadelphia Mint under Linderman, but their work fell short of the director’s expectations. Linderman asked Fremantle to recommend a qualified engraver to come to America and work on redesigning the minor silver coinage at the Philadelphia Mint. Linderman, who anticipated changes within the Mint as well as new coin designs, wrote to London Mint Director Charles W. That spring, United States Mint Director Dr. However, an unexpected opportunity arose for Morgan in 1876. While Morgan was respected for his work, his chances for upward mobility were slim due to the Wyon family’s long ties to the Royal Mint and the likelihood that the sons would be employed for many years. Generations of the Wyon family worked in this capacity for the Royal Mint. After his schooling, the talented Morgan secured a position as an assistant engraver with the British Royal Mint in London, working with well-known engravers J.S. He was educated at the Birmingham Art School and later earned a national scholarship to the South Kensington Art School in London where he received many awards and prizes for his work. Morgan, the designer of this coin, was born in Birmingham, England on November 24, 1845. ![]()
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