Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Episode 68: Monetary Art



This week's episode was originally supposed to air in May 2013 but some technical difficulties delayed it. We've got it up and running for you now, and we hope you enjoy learning more about monetary art!

If you have only a handful of coins, you have an art collection!  (Corny, I know, but it’s true!)


As we exchange money daily we hold the intricate artwork of countless artists who receive little fame for their work.  In this episode we focus on 3 American monies packed full of history and symbolism.


Terms to know:  
obverse: the side of a coin or bill bearing the principal design, often a portrait of someone famous; the “front” side; “heads”
reverse: the “back” side of a coin or bill; “tails”



The Flowing Hair Chain Cent, the first American penny, Henry Voigt, 1793



The 1862 large size note, featuring Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase




The 1929 dollar bill (Obverse)


Reverse



Detail





The Sacagawea Dollar Coin, Glenna Goodacre, 2000




Goodacre's initials are carved into the bottom of the blanket on the obverse side.

Check out the seven current sculptor/engravers of the U.S. Mint


We wish you pockets full of artwork in the new year!

Next Wednesday for a brand new episode on the Roman Sculptor with Lauren and Alisha!


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