268

Frank Gasparro Correspondence with Margo Russell

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:225.00 USD Estimated At:350.00 USD
Frank Gasparro Correspondence with Margo Russell
A buyer’s premium of 17.5% will be added to the cost of all lots purchased. See shipping info and full terms.
Gasparro, Frank. LETTERS, CARDS AND INVITATIONS FROM FRANK GASPARRO TO MARGO RUSSELL, 1967-81. Includes: 6 handwritten letters or cards; 7 typewritten letters; 1 printed invitation. All but the last are signed by Gasparro in ink. Envelopes occasionally included. Also included is Russell's copy of the American Eagle design by Gasparro distributed after his death to supporters of his Memorial Fund, with cover letter. Materials generally fine. An interesting group of letters and other correspondence from Frank Gasparro to Coin World editor Margo Russell. Gasparro (1909-2001) served as chief engraver of the United States Mint from 1965 to 1981, and was employed by the Mint beginning in 1942. He is best known for his coin designs, which include the Lincoln Memorial cent reverse, the Kennedy half dollar reverse, and both sides of both the Eisenhower and SBA dollars (excepting the bicentennial reverse for the former). He also worked widely as a medalist, both privately and in his capacity as a Mint employee. Gasparro and Russell were friends for many years, and his letters here indicate his appreciation of Russell's support of his work at the Mint, especially his work on the SBA dollar. The public's widespread rejection of the coin hurt Gasparro both personally and professionally, and Russell's support of the coin and its artist were firm. "I appreciate your kind efforts to see that the Susan B. Anthony Dollar gets a fair deal thru your columns," he wrote in a July 25, 1979 letter marked PERSONAL--NOT FOR PRINTING. "I have worked very hard to make the art work a success. (125) plasters, back and forth to its final stage." On January 18, 1980, he wrote, "I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts on behalf of the Anthony dollar. Its future is still undetermined but we are hoping it will catch on. It is hard to understand why the women's movements did not get behind it considering its significance." A unique archive from this important Chief Engraver.