My Great Aunt is the lady pictured on the Peace Dollar

[zp4ja]

Hello All,

Just figured I would share a cool piece, in my opinion, of family history with you all. This is not some "Genealogy. com" lookup either.

My Great Uncle was Anthony de Francisci. He was a famous sculptor back in the day. Among his many works was the "Independence Memorial" Union Square, New York.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/unions ... uments/766 In the article, Gilda Slate would be my Aunt.

Additionally, he made several medals and coins for the US Government, among other accomplishments.

One of his biggest marks in his long sculpting art career, was being accepted for his entry for the consideration of what the "Peace Dollar" would become. There was a contest held in 1920' or 1921' where several contestants, all famous sculptors, entered their design into the Commission Of Fine Arts or the US Mint, not sure, to see who's design would be chosen for the Peace Dollar. My Great Uncle won out in the end and what you see on a Peace Dollar today (if you have some old coins) is my Great Aunt. With approval of his coin submission, he was awarded 500 bucks. Wiki says 1500 bucks but as I have always heard the story, it was 500 bucks, from when I talked to his daughter a few years back. Not chump change in the 1920s'.

His wife was my Great Aunt, the one portrayed on the Peace Dollar. I say portrayed as she did model for the coin but of course the final coin was not an exact resemblance of her. It is a likeness, per say. It is true as to what I know that he was going to use a model for the coin but could not line one up in time, so he used his wife. This was my Grandfather's sister on my Mother's side.

This Wiki page seems pretty accurate to what I know. There is a link to my Great Aunt in there also.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_de_Francisci

I attached some pics of an old "National Sculpture Review" from Winter 59 - 60'. This is from the original magazine or review I scanned today, not internet lookups, a whole 27 pages in length. It shows some of his work. I also attached a old family pic I have from 1961'. In the center of the pic is Great Uncle Anthony. The lady on the far left is his daughter, Gilda Slate.
The lady second from the left is Great Aunt Teresa. Or offically known as Mary Teresa de Francisci (Cafarelli). She is the lady that modeled for the Peace Dollar.

True, believe it or not.

Jerry

[Shearer]

That's interesting family history and you should be proud.

[Forensic Jim]

Jerry that is a really interesting and not only an important part of American history but a real tribute to your family history!

[Quick Steel]

That is incredibly cool. I used to collect the peace dollars.

[Cutty]

Wow Jerry, what a neat and distinguished family history.

[zp4ja]

Thanks Gentlemen. I am glad to share it and glad you appreciate it. I have always found family history to be fascinating, even if not filled with relatives with accomplishments such as this.

Great Uncle Anthony died the year I was born. Great Aunt Teresa lived till 1990' so I did have the honor of meeting her a few times. Wonderful lady!

Another interesting thing Great Uncle Anthony designed was worn by millions of servicemen returning home from WW2. He designed the "Ruptured Duck" pin or the "Honorable Service Lapel Pin". It was actually an eagle on the pin but that is the nickname it was given. It was worn by returning soliders to show Honorable Discharge. Pretty interesting read...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorable_ ... pel_Button

The man was fascinated by Lincoln as I am told. My Dad had one of those old brown wax casts that was carved into a Lincoln Bust that he made. One of my sisters has it now. Must have looked at that thing 1000 times over the years. Based on recollection, it sure as hell looks like the Lincoln Medal, which he designed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Abraham-Lincoln ... 7#ht_0wt_0

Take care and Regards, Jerry

[gino]

Very cool Jerry

[timgreene48]

Awsome story!

[313 Mike]

Very interesting story Jerry, you should be proud!

[mrwatch]

thanks for the great story. I do not believe that I have a Piece dollar. But one day I was adjusting the pendulum for an antique wall clack I have and found this attached to the back of the pendulum, to help with weight. 1899 US silver dollar found on clock pendulum. Morgan 1878-1904. A bit of water dissolved what ever held it. Nice condition since not carried all of those years. My watch and clock teacher said not that unusual.

[dlr110]

Thanks for a great story!!! I love history and how it can connect families across time. I do my own metals investing and I have several of the "Peace Dollars." Hope to hear more great stories like this one.

[bighomer]

Great stuff thanks for posting.

[zp4ja]

Thanks for the kind words Gents.

I am proud of that part of my lineage.

My Great Aunt was very humble about it as was her immediate family. All the Italian huge family gatherings and it was rarely mentioned unless asked (but everyone was certainly proud) if that makes sense.

I could do without all the plastic couch protectors that stuck to your thighs on a humid NY day of that era as a young kid but I sure miss the "old school" family gatherings and ethics/ morals from the mid 60s' Queens NY.

Jerry

[FRJ]

Very nice post, Jerry. I really enjoyed it.

[Colonel26]

Jerry, that’s a cool as all get out! Thanks for sharing.

[zp4ja]

Thanks Joe and Wade! Glad to share.

Hope you and yours are well my friends!

Jerry