Last year the United States Mint commemorated the transition of the Morgan Silver Dollar to the Peace Dollar. In 2021, it would have been 100 years since that time and both coins would have featured the 1921 date. While it would be the last year for the Morgan Silver Dollar, the Peace Dollar would continue on through 1928 and then start again in 1934 until its final days in 1935. While never produced again (until last year’s anniversary), they still hold a major place in the coin market as their eye appeal and overall collectability would transcend its initial use. Part of that comes from its design and that leads us to the artist and designer behind the famous silver dollar. With a body of work that also resides outside of the Mint, this artist has created a name for himself that is still held in high regard today.
Anthony de Francisci
In the capital city of Sicily, Italy, Anthony de Francisci was born on July 13, 1887, to Benedetto de Francisci and Maria Liberante. While raised in Italy initially, his family would soon immigrate to the United States in 1895 when Anthony was just eight years old. Although coming to America at a young age, he would not become a naturalized citizen until he was 26.
Soon after becoming an official citizen, Francisci would attend Cooper Union to study the arts. He was taught under another famous designer, James Earle Fraser, and would continue to develop his skills and talent as a sculptor, engraver, and modeler. In addition to studying under Fraser, he would also become an assistant to Hermon A. MacNeil and Adolph A. Weinman, both prominent designers who also designed coins for the United States Mint. They would prove to be great connections for Francisci.
In 1915, Francisci would get hired to instruct at Columbia University. A few years later he would start his own art studio which would eventually lead him to working with the Mint. In 1920, he was tasked by the Mint to convert drawings into physical models. Soon he would have his own credit as he was responsible for producing the 1920 Maine Centennial Half Dollar Commemorative. Just a year later, he would be one of seven other prominent designers/sculptors to take part in the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts contest to determine the new design of the United States silver dollar. The theme was to reflect peace.
The youngest of the seven designers entering the competition, Francisci would produce his design in bas-relief like the others and they were displayed in then-Director of the United States Mint’s, Raymond T. Baker, office. His design was chosen unanimously and Francisci was awarded $1,500 in addition to his design being used for the new silver dollar. During his design process, he would use his wife Teresa de Francisci to be the model off of which his Lady Liberty was based.
While the Peace Dollar was the most well-known of Francisci’s works, he would also design bronze reliefs, other medals and coins, and pins and buttons for the military and government offices. He would not go on to design any other coinage for the U.S. Mint.
Source: USA Coinbook