Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820-1920)

Object Details

Artist

Anthony de Francisci, born Palermo, Italy 1887-died New York City 1964

Luce Center Label

Congress approved this commemorative half-dollar for the centennial of the state of Maine in 1920. Monmouth, Maine, artist Harry Cochrane provided drawings of the proposed coin design, and Anthony de Francisci was then asked by the Commission of Fine Arts to prepare relief models from which the mint could make dies and strike coins. The obverse shows the state's coat of arms depicting a pine tree, "the pride of her forests," and a moose, symbolizing liberty and the spirit of independence. A farmer with a scythe and a sailor holding an anchor represent the land and sea of Maine. The Latin motto Dirigo---"I Direct" or "I Guide"---refers to the North Star and to Maine as a leader in the union of states.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci

1920

Object number

1966.51.82

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

struck silver

Dimensions

1 1/4 in. (3 cm) diam.

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Figure group\male

Occupation\industry\fishing

Occupation\farm\farmer

Emblem\seal

Object\foliage\pine

Object\other\money

History\United States\Maine

Record ID

saam_1966.51.82

Metadata Usage (text)

Not determined

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk74d0bc8a4-e521-4e53-b74d-2297d061d0a0