LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3430

Archive of Elizabeth Jones Appointment Documents

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:2,600.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
Archive of Elizabeth Jones Appointment Documents
<B>Archive of Elizabeth Jones Appointment Documents and Production Artwork.</B></I> Following the January 16, 1981 retirement of Frank Gasparro, tenth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, sculptor Elizabeth Jones was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to fill his role and confirmed by the Senate. Jones, who had cultivated an international reputation through two decades of study and important commissions in the artistic metropolis of Rome, was the first and only woman to receive the title of Chief Engraver. Following her departure from the Mint after nearly a decade of service, no new Chief Engraver was named and the position was abolished shortly thereafter, making her the last to hold that title.<BR> During her time as Chief Engraver, Jones designed many widely praised medals and four commemorative coins, including the 1982 George Washington half dollar (the first modern American commemorative), the 1983 Los Angeles Olympiad silver dollar, the 1986 Statue of Liberty five dollar gold, and the 1988 Seoul Olympiad five dollar gold, the last of which was earned through open competition. The first three designs received "Coin of the Year" honors from <I>World Coin News</B></I>, an unprecedented accomplishment. The archive offered here, which focuses on her tenure at the Mint, includes the following:<BR><B><BR>Senate Resolution. </B></I>One page, 8" x 11", dated September 29, 1981, on Senate of the United States in Executive Session letterhead. The text: "<B>Resolved,</B></I> That the Senate advise and consent to the following nomination: Elizabeth Jones, of New Jersey, to be Engraver in the Mint of the United States at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Attest:" The document bears the signature of Secretary of the Senate William F. Hildenbrand, with his typed title below. An oval stamp below reads: "THE WHITE HOUSE / SEP 30 1981 / RECEIVED". Adhesive tape at centers of four edges verso, but excellent condition otherwise.<BR><B><BR>Presidential Appointment Certificate</B></I>. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and bearing the seal of the Treasury, approximately 19" x 15". This attractive and elegantly worded document proclaims that "Elizabeth Jones of New Jersey", having been nominated and confirmed by the Senate, is appointed "Engraver in the Mint of the United States at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." The document is dated October 1, 1981, and bears the signatures of Secretary of the Treasury Donald T. Regan and President Ronald Reagan (autopen). The last document proclaiming the nomination of a Chief Engraver, and monumentally important as such. Slight roughness at upper corners of verso from a past mounting, but excellent condition otherwise.<BR><B><BR>Three Sketches for Medals.</B></I> These three design sketches, which have diameters ranging from 5.5" to 8", demonstrate Jones' great talent for portraiture. The sketches include: <B>Harry Truman Centennial of Birth</B></I>, an unrealized design competition entry consisting of a portrait of the President with facsimile signature left and Capitol right, initialed "EJ" at bottom with production notes "No. 3" and "E. Jones" below sketch; <B>Aaron Copland</B></I>, an unrealized design competition entry consisting of a striking close-up of the composer's face with his name in lowercase letters as designed by the artist, initialed "EJ" at lower right, with identifying label "B" in the lower right corner; and <B>James A. Baker III</B></I>, realized portrait for his inaugural medal as Secretary of the Treasury, a head-and-shoulders depiction with his name across the top and initials "EJ" above the left (facing) shoulder.<BR><B><BR>Production Plaster for 1982 George Washington Half Dollar Obverse. </B></I>An important and desirable artifact from the production of this prizewinning design, diameter 10", depicting George Washington as general astride his horse. Pencil alignment lines and notations appear at LIBERTY to the left and along the right side; the letter "D" signifies a projected mintmark location. Faint arrows and the word "BASIN" appear below the design and the word or name "SERRA" appears above, legacies from a previous stage in the design process. Signed "Elizabeth Jones" on the back, engraved and filled in with black pencil.<BR><BR>This fascinating archive offers a window into the recent past of the United States Mint, as expressed through the work of a remarkable and talented artist. The assembled items should prove of particular interest to numismatic historians and modern commemorative enthusiasts. An interesting and unique opportunity.<BR><I>Ex: Elizabeth Jones, Chief Engraver of the United States.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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