Do you know what the Oregon Trail Memorial Memorial Half Dollar (1926 - 1939) has in common with the 1936 norfolk Virginia Bicentennial? You know the name Fraser, because James Earle Fraser designed the Buffalo Nickel and that same design was chosen to become the American Buffalo Commemorative silver Dollar in 2001. Fraser's initial "F" was placed below the date on the obverse (the same location as on the Nickel. 227,131 uncirculated silver Dollars were struck by the Denver Mint and the Philadelphia Mint produced 272,869 proofs. You, also, know Fraser's design adorns the Gold Buffalos with and without mint marks. Here's a photo of the Buffalo Nickel courtesy of Coin Page and Greattoning: Buffalo Nickel (1916 - 1938): http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-3949.html 2001-D American Buffalo Commemorative: (photo courtesy of Coin Page and the United States Mint) http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-866.html Uncirculated Gold Buiffalo (no mint mark): http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-5357.html Proof Gold Buffalo (W mint mark): http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-5358.html Let us return to one of the coins of our "Family" subject, the Oregon Trail Memorial silver Half Dollar: This is America's first coin that was designed by a husband and wife team; James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser. This coin has another milestone attached to it. It was struck at various times from 1926 - 1939 by all three Mints in operation from 1926 - 1939. The milestone came about in 1933. The Denver Mint was the only mint to produce the Oregon Trail Memorial silver Dollar in 1933, thus it was the first commemorative coin struck by the Denver Mint. Here's a photo courtesy of Coin Page and greattoning: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-1161.html That brings us to the other part of our subject which concerns the 1936 Norfolk, Virginia Bicentennial silver Half Dollar. This coin was designed by a husband/wife team too; William Marks Sinpson and Marjory Emory Simpson. Herer's a photo courtesy of Coin Page and roundmetal: http://www.coinpage.com/large.php?tImageId=711 You say "...that name 'Simpson' seems familar." Here's another numismatic milestone you may not know occurred: Both (2) US commemoratives minted only in 1937 (other commemorative coins struck in 1937 were previously struck) were designed by only one person, William Marks Simpson. Coin One. The Roanoke, North Carolina 350th Anniversary silver Half Dollar featuring Sir Walter Raleigh on the obverse and a snugly wrapped baby Virginia Dare (first white child born in British North America) cuddled in her momma's (Elinore) arms. Here's a photo courtesy of Coin Page and greattoning: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-3773.html Coin two. Battle of Antietam Anniversary Silver Half Dollar. Here's a photo courtesy of Coin Page and greattoning: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-1817.html Thought you might like to know... Clinker
Antietem speaks to me Clinger. More men (US) were killed or wounded on that day than any other battle or conflict in our history. Shows the passion of the time. I really enjoyed reading your post........
To me James Frasier will always be a great sculptor. His "End of the Trail" is one of the most profound works in bronze made by an American. I have a Baby bronze of this statue and a belt buckle. His Bison nickle, is by far the finest nickle America ever produced. Traci
To Ripley: And, Traci, two of my favorite coins are the Philippines 1947-S silver MacArthur 50 Centavos and 1 Peso designed by Laura Fraser...:high5: Clinker
