Artist

Laura Gardin Fraser

born Chicago, IL 1889-died Norwalk, CT 1966
Media - J0119967_1b.jpg - 89838
Laura Gardin Fraser, © Peter A. Juley & Son Collection, Smithsonian American Art Museum J0119967
Also known as
  • Mrs. James E. Fraser
  • Laura G. Fraser
  • Laura Fraser
  • Laura Gardin
Born
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died
Norwalk, Connecticut, United States
Active in
  • Westport, Connecticut, United States
Biography

Laura Gardin Fraser designed the Alabama Centennial half-dollar in 1921, earning her the distinction of being the first woman to design a coin for the United States Treasury. She studied at the Art Students League in New York from 1907 to 1911, and in 1913 married James Earle Fraser, a sculptor and her instructor there. Fraser’s other works include animal sculptures, medals, and fountains.