United States gold coinage is in a league of its own. Quality and design are the backbone of any good numismatic product, but when it comes to U.S. gold, it’s also the standard. This is especially true of vintage gold coins as they are some of the most beautiful and most popular amongst collectors. That brings us to two gold coins specifically that have made a lasting impact on the hobby, and they are designed by the same individual. With a number of artist credits to his name outside of the United States Mint, our next spotlight features a man that worked closely with other popular U.S. Mint engravers and artists and whose designs carved a path for the gold coins to come after.
Bela Lyon Pratt
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in December of 1867, Bela Lyon Pratt was the son of Sarah Whittlesey and George Pratt. His father was a well-educated man that graduated from Yale University. His grandfather on his mother’s side was the founder of Music Vale Seminary which was the first music school in the country to give out degrees for teaching and music education. Among these men, he grew up in a creative family and art was his choice of passion. He was accomplished enough in the arts, more specifically sculpting, that he was able to attend Yale’s School of Fine Art at the age of 16.
After graduating from Yale, he attended the Art Students League of New York where he took more classes in the arts. There he worked under many mentors and teachers, including Augustus Saint Gaudens. Pratt would work with him for a time at his private studio before he moved to Paris, France, to continue his studies in sculpting. He only stayed there for a short time until he made his return to the United States in 1892 and started up two sculptural groups. He would garner major recognition after attending the World’s Columbian Exposition representing “The Genius of Navigation.” This work would give him a boost in his career.
In 1893, Pratt would start his teaching career at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. He would continue to produce many works during this time in addition to becoming an associate of the National Academy. In 1901, one of his works was included in the Pan-American Exposition.
By 1907, Pratt was working on coin design, following in his mentor’s (Saint Gaudens) footsteps. Although not a member of the United States Mint’s staff, Pratt would go on to produce designs for official United States coins. These coins were the $2.5 Gold Indian Head Quarter Eagle and the $5 Indian Head Half Eagle. Both coins began minting in 1908 and continued on through 1929 when President Franklin Roosevelt put an end to all gold coin production. The coins were very different from any other coin that was produced back then and are even different from anything that is produced today. Under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, coinage quality was upgraded and the Gold Indian Head coins designed by Pratt are a prime example of that passion for coin design. The designs are incused into the coin—different from any other that was stamped or pressed.
After designing the two gold coins for the Mint, Pratt would continue on in his own work, producing hundreds of works including sculptures and medals. They can be found in a number of prestigious museums and galleries, including the U.S. Naval Academy, Boston Public Library, Harvard University, Massachusetts State House, and Boston Public Garden.
Source: USA Coinbook