This started, as many Saturday morning musings do, as a LinkedIn post that turned into a linked series of searches that gave way to filling in gaps in my knowledge of coins, history and mythology. (Earlier searches today involved understanding the nomenclature of pipe organs, after a set of queries about the Royal Albert Hall seating plan — more will be revealed in the next six weeks)
There's actually a bit more to the story. The obverse of this new quarter series features the bust of Washington by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser. In 1932, when the Washington quarter was being designed, Gardin Fraser's design was passed over in favor of an artistically inferior bust of Washington designed by a man, John Flanigan. There is nothing in the historical record as to why, but sexist speculation has persisted to this day. The Flanigan bust was used from 1932 to 2021. This series rectifies that with Gardin Fraser's beautiful bust of Washington as it was meant to appear in 1932.
Those wishing to know more, please read this article:
There's actually a bit more to the story. The obverse of this new quarter series features the bust of Washington by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser. In 1932, when the Washington quarter was being designed, Gardin Fraser's design was passed over in favor of an artistically inferior bust of Washington designed by a man, John Flanigan. There is nothing in the historical record as to why, but sexist speculation has persisted to this day. The Flanigan bust was used from 1932 to 2021. This series rectifies that with Gardin Fraser's beautiful bust of Washington as it was meant to appear in 1932.
Those wishing to know more, please read this article:
https://coinweek.com/modern-coins/laura-gardin-frasers-washington-bust-to-appear-on-american-women-quarters/
Another beautifully written post. Thank you.
Amazing how a Saturday morning bagel takes you on this journey. I think I may need to find a new bagel place! Thx for sharing the history.
I stopped carrying coins a while ago - and didn’t know we were creating these coins! I obviously need to start looking at coins again. Thank you!!