Elizabeth Jones: A Numismatic Icon
Earlier this week marked the birth of the Eleventh Chief Engraver, Elizabeth Jones. As one of our country’s most esteemed engravers of the modern era, Rare Collectibles TV would like to celebrate her immense contributions to the hobby. From the resurrection of the commemorative coin program in 1982 to the official opening of the West Point Mint in 1988, Jones oversaw some of the largest events to occur in modern numismatic history.
Even as a child, Jones had an immense interest in art, which lead her to studying at the Montclair Kimberley Academy during her youth. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Vassar College in New York State, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957.
Upon completing her education, Jones moved to Rome, Italy, where she studied and practiced art for nearly 20 years. It was in Rome that Ms. Jones fell in love with relief sculpture and made it her primary discipline. Within just a few years, she had earned herself a reputation as an accomplished sculptor. Prestigious numismatic institutions such as the Franklin Mint and the Medallic Art Company commissioned her work, and in 1972 she was awarded the Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture by the American Numismatic Association. By the end of the 1970s, Jones was regarded as one of the finest sculptors in the entire world.
By January of 1981, Tenth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint Frank Gasparro had retired, leaving a vacancy in the position. As a world-renowned relief sculptor, Jones was the clear choice to succeed Gasparro as the Eleventh Chief Engraver. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan and approved by Congress, Jones became the official Chief Engraver on October 28, 1981. As the final Chief Engraver to be appointed by the President and the first woman to hold the position, Jones is a truly historic figure.
Her first project at the U.S. Mint was to create a presidential medal for President Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately for Jones, Reagan was unable to meet up for a live sitting, forcing her to create the medal based solely from photographs. Regardless of these limitations, the medal was celebrated for its tremendous detailing and artistry.
Although Elizabeth Jones did not design any official circulating U.S. coinage, she accomplished the task of reinstating the commemorative coin program after almost thirty years. Jones ushered in this new era of American commemorative coins with her 1982 George Washington Half Dollar, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of Washington’s birth. Jones’ obverse design depicts a stoic rendition of the first President of the United States, George Washington, on horseback.
One of Jones’ most significant feats occurred six years later, in 1988, when the West Point Bullion Depository of New York officially became the West Point Mint under her tenure. In 1991, Jones retired, leaving a vacancy in the Chief Engraver position for fifteen years until John Mercanti took over in 2006.
Today, as modern commemorative coinage continues to flourish, Elizabeth Jones’ legacy as a numismatic icon is as prevalent as ever. If you are looking for rare silver coins that honor America’s greatest accomplishments throughout history, make sure to check out Rare Collectibles TV’s selection of commemorative coins!
