George T. Morgan

George T. Morgan
A photograph of the Mint engravers. Morgan is seated in the front row, second from right.
Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint
In office 1917–1925
Preceded by	Charles E. Barber
Succeeded by	John R. Sinnock
Personal details
Born	(1845-11-24)November 24, 1845 Birmingham, England
Died	January 4, 1925(1925-01-04) (aged 79) United States
Occupation	Engraver

George Thomas Morgan (November 24, 1845 – January 4, 1925) was a United States Mint engraver who is famous for designing many popular coins, such as the Morgan dollar and the Columbian Exposition half dollar..

Biography

Morgan was born in Birmingham, England where he worked for many years as a die engraver. He came to the United States in 1876 and was hired as an assistant engraver at the Mint in October under William Barber. He figured very prominently in the production of pattern coins from 1877 onward. He designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. He became the seventh Chief Engraver of the United States Mint 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.

Morgan medal depicting Edward VII, c. 1875

References

• Gibbs, William T. (October 2012). "Morgan's half dollars". Coin World: 4–5, 14, 20, 22, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40.
• Lee, Karen M. (2013). The Private Sketchbook of George T. Morgan. Atlanta, Ga.: Whitman Publishing. ISBN 978-079483822-5.