BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS MORGAN-PEACE DESIGN

The government of the British Virgin Islands has issued (20th May) new bullion-quality silver one-ounce coins, cupro-nickel Brilliant Uncirculated, and gold half-gram Proof coins which feature two of the coin collecting world’s most popular and historic designs ever to be included on American coinage — namely the Morgan and Peace dollar designs. On the occasion of the centenary anniversary, which saw the U.S. Mint transition from the Morgan motif to that of the Peace design in 1921, it was the year that saw both designs dated the same year.

In 1876, the U.S. Mint director began efforts to redesign the U.S. silver dollar. He contacted the deputy master of the Royal Mint in London, looking for a die-sinker: The task of engraving dies used to stamp designs on coins or medals, who would be willing to take the position of assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint. George T Morgan (1845–1925) was highly recommended and he began working for the U.S. Mint. Morgan, who was born in Birmingham, England, soon emigrated to the United States and arrived at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia where he took up the position as a die engraver. The Morgan dollar, which is considered one of the coin world’s most widely collected American coins, was first minted annually from 1878 to 1904 and then again in 1921. Therefore, the coin was named after its designer. The obverse depicts an allegorical interpretation in profile portrait representing Liberty.

The Peace dollar owes its existence to the Era of Peace, which was ushered in after the devastation of what was then termed the Great War, or the war to end all wars. Minted from 1921 to 1928 and then again in 1934 and 1935, it was designed by Anthony de Francisci (1887–1964), an Italian-American sculptor as a result of a competition to find designs representing Peace. The design depicted the head of the Goddess of Liberty in profile, a crown of rays adorning her head. It was later learned that de Francisci had modelled the profile after his wife Theresa, who sat for him on several occasions.

The coins are produced by the Pobjoy Mint at their facilities in Surrey, England, on behalf of the treasury of the British Virgin Islands. The design on this brand-new coin features the two profile images of the portrait representing Liberty and the portrait of the Goddess of Liberty representing Peace — both facing to the left and as they appeared on the original coins. The dates 1921 – 2021 are shown beneath the two busts. The inscription 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAST MORGAN DOLLAR – FIRST PEACE DOLLAR is placed around the primary design with the denomination of $1 placed below.

To read the complete article, see:
Pobjoy Mint — British Virgin Islands: New silver bullion coin features historic Morgan and Peace dollar designs for centenary anniversary (https://world.mintnewsblog.com/2021/05/pobjoy-mint-british-virgin-islands-new-silver-bullion-coin-features-historic-morgan-and-peace-dollar-designs-for-centenary-anniversary/)

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