What is this and its connection to numismatics? (photo courtesy wikimedia): http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Freedom_1.jpg/250px-Freedom_1.jpg It's the Statue of Freedom which is Thomas Crawford's bronze statue, that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The original and formal name of the work was Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace." Before I reveal the connection to numismatics, here's some (I think) interesting aspects about the statue: The Statue of Freedom is a female allegorical figure representing Liberty who holds a sheathed sword in her right hand and a laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the United States with thirteen stripes in her left hand. She wears a helmet adorned with stars and an eagle's head. A brooch inscribed "U.S." secures her fringed robes. She stands on a cast-iron globe encircled with the national motto, E pluribus unum. The bronze statue stands 19 feet 6 inches (6 m) tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg). Her crest rises 288 feet (88 m) above the east front plaza. Freedom is the tallest statue in the District of Columbia. This is meant to symbolize that there is nothing greater than Freedom. Beginning in 1860, the statue was cast in five main sections by Clark Mills, whose bronze foundry was located on the outskirts of Washington D.C.. Work was halted in 1861 because of the Civil War, but by the end of 1862 the statue was finished and temporarily displayed on the Capitol grounds. Be sure to read this: While Freedom was being cast at Mills' foundry the foreman in charge of the casting went on strike. Instead of paying him the higher wages he demanded Mills turned the project over to Philip Reid, a slave working at the facility. Reid presided over the rest of the casting and assembly of the figure. The figure was placed in position on December 2, 1863. Reid had to waitf or his liberation until November 1864, at which time he, at least symbolically, received his freedom cap! And here's that Numismatic Connection (courtesy coinpage): http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-2640.html Hope you enjoyed the article... Clinker
Here's a little more detailed information: A monumental statue for the top of the national Capitol appeared in Architect Thomas U. Walter's original drawing for the new cast-iron dome, which was authorized in 1855. Walter's drawing showed the outline of a statue representing Liberty; Crawford proposed an allegorical figure of "Freedom triumphant in War and Peace." After Secretary of War Jefferson Davis objected to the sculptor's intention to include a liberty cap, the symbol of freed slaves, Crawford replaced it with a crested Roman helmet. Crawford was commissioned to design the Statue of Freedom in 1855 and executed the plaster model for the statue in his studio in Rome. He died in 1857 before the model left his studio. The model, packed into six crates, was shipped from Italy in a small sailing vessel in the spring of 1858. During the voyage the ship began to leak and stopped in Gibraltar for repairs. After leaving Gibraltar, the ship began leaking again to the point that it could go no farther than Bermuda, where the model was stored until other transportation could be arranged. Half of the crates finally arrived in New York in December, but all sections were not in Washington until late March of 1859. Beginning in 1860, the statue was cast in five main sections by Clark Mills, whose bronze foundry was located on the outskirts of Washington. Work was halted in 1861 because of the Civil War, but by the end of 1862 the statue was finished and temporarily displayed on the Capitol grounds. The cost of the statue, exclusive of installation, was $23,796.82. Late in 1863, construction of the dome was sufficiently advanced for the installation of the statue, which was hoisted in sections and assembled atop the cast-iron pedestal. The final section, the figure's head and shoulders, was raised on December 2, 1863, to a salute of 35 guns answered by the guns of the 12 forts around Washington. The plaster model of the statue, which had been in storage for 25 years, was reassembled and restored in the basement rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building, where it was returned to public display in January 1993. Ribbit
Interesting read Clinker. Thanks. Additional info provided by Toad equally interesting. Thank You as well.
I was trying to find out exactly where the foundry was, since a slave worked there. I'm guess it was Virginia but I still don't know for sure? I think it's ironic a slave oversaw the casting of it. :thumb: Ribbit
The Statue also appeared on the second round of US Newspaper and Periodical Stamps: http://www.1847usa.com/Newspapers%20and%20Periodicals%20of%201875.htm
FreakyGarrettC Being an old (73 years) newspaper stringer, recovering from a stroke, gives me time to one-finger scan the Internet, discover something to share, and post my findings. Gives me something to look forward to do...AND..thank you... Clinker
Yeah I am home sick from school (have been for 7 weeks now) because of an allergic reaction to medication. My coin collection has gave me something to do with all of my spare time. This forum has also been great for killing time. And best of wishes for a full recovery. I will be sure to say a prayer. And I am glad this forum has given you something to do. :thumb: Freaky
Hi, again: For you (and all Coin Talk members) I'm creating a website of Numismatic with games and tests. New tests featured monthly (hopefully). Will let you all know when completed... Clinker
Great informative post, Clinker! Here is a medal with "Statue of Freedom" on one side And a Presidential Inaugural medal with "Status of Freedom" Regards, Ballabh Garg
