George T. Morgan | |
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A photograph of the Mint engravers. Morgan is seated in the front row, second from right.
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Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint | |
In office 1917–1925 |
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Preceded by | Charles E. Barber |
Succeeded by | John R. Sinnock |
Personal details | |
Born |
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom |
November 24, 1845
Died | January 4, 1925 United States |
(aged 79)
Occupation | Engraver |
George T. Morgan (November 24, 1845 – January 4, 1925) was an English United States Mint engraver, who is famous for designing many popular coins, such as the Morgan dollar, and the Columbian half dollar.
Born in Birmingham, England, Morgan studied in England, and worked for many years as a die engraver at Messrs. J.S. & A.B. Wyon. Morgan came to the United States from England in 1876 and was hired as an assistant engraver at the Mint in October of that year under William Barber. He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward. Morgan designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. Eventually, Morgan took the role of seventh Chief Engraver following the death of Charles E. Barber in February 1917. Morgan is most famous for designing the Morgan dollar, one of many namesakes, as well as the never-released $100 Gold Union coin.