How John R. Sinnock Brought Art to Numismatics
This week, we celebrate the birth of the eighth Chief Engraver of the US Mint, John R. Sinnock. Throughout his career, Sinnock designed some of the most significant coins and medals used in America, including the illustrious Franklin Half Dollar and the prestigious Purple Heart. To this day, Sinnock’s legacy continues to grow as the Franklin Half Dollar series continues to increase in popularity and numismatic value.
Born on July 8th, 1888 in Raton, New Mexico, Sinnock showed an interest in the arts from an early age, especially in sculpture. Pursuing this passion, Sinnock attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art, eventually earning a degree in Art Instruction. After receiving his degree, Sinnock played an active role in the city’s art community, joining the Philadelphia Sketch Club and Pennsylvania Academy. At these institutions, Sinnock produced renowned portraits and medals of distinguished Americans, such as President Herbert Hoover and Thomas Edison.
Sinnock’s work earned him teaching positions at both his alma mater and Western Reserve University, where he helped shape the upcoming generation of artists. By this time, the U.S. Mint sought to hire a new sculptor to assist Chief Engraver George T. Morgan, a role Sinnock was chosen to fill in 1917. Collaborating with Morgan on coins such as the 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar, Sinnock was eventually promoted to Assistant Chief Engraver in 1923. Two years later, in 1925, George T. Morgan passed away, leaving Sinnock to become the Eighth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. One year later, Sinnock engraved two of his most renowned coins: the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar and Quarter Eagle coins, both of which were created to celebrate 150 years of American Independence.
Among Sinnock’s most notable works is the Purple Heart military medal, awarded to U.S. soldiers wounded or killed in the line of duty. Originally designed by Army Heraldic Specialist Elizabeth Will, Sinnock modeled and refined the design so that it could be properly reproduced on medals in 1931.
One of Sinnock’s most recognizable coin designs came in 1945, shortly after the passing of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Wishing to commemorate Roosevelt, Mint Director Nellie Ross asked Sinnock to produce a design of Roosevelt for the dime. Released on January 30, 1946, the Roosevelt Dime became an immediate hit among a public still grieving the beloved president’s death. The dime was a particularly meaningful choice, as Roosevelt had founded the March of Dimes to combat polio, a disease Roosevelt himself had been diagnosed with. Still struck to this day, the Roosevelt design has proven so timeless as to not need any design updates or changes since 1946.
Later that year, Sinnock was given a new assignment, one which would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest engravers in our country’s history: the Franklin Half Dollar. As a Founding Father, politician, and diplomat, Franklin’s wide-reaching efforts greatly influenced the early years of our nation. In addition to helping draft and sign the Declaration of Independence, Franklin also helped bring an end to the Revolutionary War with the Treaty of Paris, making him one of the most important figures in the birth of our country.
The obverse of this coin bears a bust of Benjamin Franklin and has been historically celebrated for its portrayal of the beloved Founding Father. As for the reverse, Sinnock was able to draw on his past experience of designing the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar, as both of these coins display a rendition of the Liberty Bell. The reverse design of the Franklin Half Dollar is particularly important to the series because of the “Full Bell Line” designation, which is given only to coins that showcase the most stunning and high-quality strikes.
Unfortunately, John R. Sinnock passed away in 1947 before the release of the cherished Franklin Half Dollar series. However, he is remembered as one of the finest engravers that the US Mint has ever employed. Much of Sinnock’s work, including the Roosevelt Dime and Purple Heart medal, remains in use today proving the timelessness and excellence of his craft.
If you are interested in coins designed by Sinnock like the Roosevelt Dime or Franklin Half Dollar, look no further than Rare Collectibles TV’s extensive inventory. Many examples of our Franklin Half Dollars have been placed into Rick Tomaska’s exclusive “We The People” holders, which denote that Rick himself has reviewed your coin and deemed it to be the finest of its date and grade.
