Posts tagged 'augustus saint-gaudens'

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) received a donation of autographed, specially produced 20 x 24-inch prints of artworks created by four acclaimed artists who have designed coins and medals for the United States Mint. Their artworks commemorate the famous Victory statue crafted a century ago by another acclaimed numismatic designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

One of the most monumental changes to American coinage happened with the Act of February 21, 1857, which allowed the striking of Flying Eagle Cent. Back in 1793, circulating American coinage began with cents and half-cents, but it wasn’t until 1857 that the cent as we know it was created. 

The name “Augustus Saint-Gaudens” looms as large as any in the history of American numismatics. Between the Indian Head Gold Eagle and the Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle, he is remembered for designing two of the most breathtaking and iconic coins in our nation’s history. His innovative vision gave our nation coinage that resembled true pieces of art that all Americans could enjoy. Saint-Gaudens’ vision was largely influenced by the famous works of the ancient Greeks. Particularly, the artist drew inspiration from a famed Greek Statue named the Winged Victory of Samothrace.