Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820−1920)

Anthony de Francisci, Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820-1920), 1920, struck silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.82
Copied Anthony de Francisci, Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820-1920), 1920, struck silver, 1 1⁄4 in. (3 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.82

Artwork Details

Title
Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820−1920)
Artist
Date
1920
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
1 1⁄4 in. (3 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci
Mediums
Mediums Description
struck silver
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group — male
  • Occupation — industry — fishing
  • Occupation — farm — farmer
  • Emblem — seal
  • Object — foliage — pine
  • Object — other — money
  • History — United States — Maine
Object Number
1966.51.82
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.51.82

Artwork Description

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.