In an earlier post about the 1923
Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar (link below), I referenced the designs created for the logo of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition that was held in Buffalo, NY, and noted how the artist behind the Exposition logo was Ralph Beck. I thought I'd return to the topic for further discussion of the Exposition logo's link to the
Monroe Doctrine Half Dollar and support same with a few illustrations!
The reverse of the 1923
Monroe Doctrine Centennial half dollar features one of the most unusual designs of the entire US classic commemorative coin series thanks to its highly-stylized map. The design is credited to Chester Beach, though it doesn't appear to be entirely original. Either Beach was party to one of the most amazing coincidences in the history of art, or he was a fan of Beck's design work for the Pan-American Exposition and adapted it to suit his needs on the
Monroe Doctrine Half Dollar.
The Half Dollar's reverse presents stylized versions of North and South America - the primary land masses of the Western Hemisphere. To create a more artistic design, Beach went far beyond presenting a simple relief map of the continents - what the coin's sponsor expected - instead, depicting a pair of contorted female figures, molded to mimic the general shapes of North and South America. The figures themselves are not enough to fill out the continents, however, so Beach used a variety of floral elements to help fill in his "maps."
In her left hand,
North America is depicted holding a multi-stemmed tree branch that somewhat forms the eastern portion of Canada; in her right hand, she holds a smaller branch as she reaches out to
South America and, with her right arm, uses the branch to create an approximate rendering of Central America. The figure representing South America holds a full cornucopia in her right hand and arm; the cornucopia fills in the northern reaches of Brazil and the countries positioned along the continent's northeast coast - Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
IMO, the core concepts of Beach's design can be clearly seen in Beck's originals. I present a pinback button from the 1901 Exposition and a looped medal from the same - Exhibits A and B.
Numismatic collectors had items to pursue that featured the unusual western hemisphere design long before the
Monroe Doctrine Half Dollar arrived. The coin's ancestors were firmly in place!
Button with Logo of 1901 Pan-American Exposition
Looped Medal with Logo of 1901 Pan-American Exposition
1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar
What do you think? Simple coincidence or "strong artistic influence"
?
For my earlier post on the 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar, check out:
-
1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial
Posted 12/27/2021 1:03 pm
