The first African-American to appear on a circulating coin was York, a slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their “Corps of Discovery” adventures across America at the dawn of the 19th century. The 2003 Missouri quarter features the three men together in a canoe on the obverse.
What faces are on money?
Which Historical Figures Are on U.S. Money?
- Abraham Lincoln on the U.S. penny.
- Thomas Jefferson on the U.S. nickel.
- Franklin D.
- George Washington on the U.S. quarter.
- Sacagawea on the U.S. $1 coin.
- George Washington on the U.S. $1 bill.
- Abraham Lincoln on the U.S. $5 bill.
- Alexander Hamilton on the U.S. $10 bill.
Who was the face of the first half dollar?
From 1794 to 1947, the half dollar, like most coins of the time, were made of silver and decorated with the head or form of an imaginary woman who stood for liberty. Then Benjamin Franklin became the face on the front of the half dollar.
Who was the first African American to design a US coin?
Keck was understandably furious, but got paid for his design anyway. Hathaway became the first African-American artist to design a U.S. Coin. Distribution. The Act called for the mint to produce up to five million coins for up to five years following enactment on August 7, 1946.
Why was the half dollar coin made for African Americans?
Publicly, however, Phillips’ plan was to sell the half dollars, primarily to African-Americans, in order to establish a memorial to the great African-American educator. So Phillips reached out to Congress, enlisting the help of Idaho Democratic Representative Compton Ignatius White.
When was the last US half dollar made?
The designs from 1794 to 1947 showed a woman symbolizing liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. 1947 was the last year that Liberty appeared on a U.S. circulating coin. From 1916 to 1947, the Mint produced the “Walking Liberty” half dollar designed by Adolph A. Weinman.
