The lady depicted on the US silver dollar, specifically the iconic Morgan Dollar, is Anna Willess Williams. She served as the model for the allegorical representation of Lady Liberty on this widely collected coin.
Who Was Anna Willess Williams?
Anna Willess Williams (1857 – April 17, 1926) was an American teacher and philosophical writer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her striking profile captured the attention of George T. Morgan, the designer of the Morgan Dollar, leading to her enduring legacy in American numismatic history.
She was chosen for her classical features, which Morgan believed embodied the ideal characteristics of Lady Liberty—a symbol of American freedom and ideals. Williams initially hesitated due to her Quaker beliefs but eventually agreed to pose for the design, reportedly under the condition that her identity would not be widely publicized. However, her connection to the coin became well-known over time.
The Morgan Dollar Design
The Morgan Dollar is one of the most famous and widely collected US coins. It was minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. The coin's obverse features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty, based on the likeness of Anna Willess Williams, facing left. She is adorned with a Phrygian cap, a wreath of cotton and wheat, and the word "LIBERTY" on a headband. The reverse side features an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, encircled by a wreath.
This silver dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver who became an assistant engraver at the United States Mint. His design, with Williams as its muse, created a lasting image that remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts today.
Here's a quick overview of key facts related to the lady on the silver dollar:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Model's Name | Anna Willess Williams |
Lifespan | 1857 – April 17, 1926 |
Coin Name | Morgan Dollar |
Designer | George T. Morgan |
Depiction | Lady Liberty |
Profession | Teacher and philosophical writer |
Legacy in Numismatics
Anna Willess Williams's profile has graced millions of Morgan Silver Dollars, making her face one of the most widely reproduced in American history. Her unwilling fame brought about by the coin's popularity speaks to the enduring appeal and artistic merit of Morgan's design. The Morgan Dollar itself holds significant historical value, representing a period of expansion and economic change in the United States.
To learn more about Anna Willess Williams and her role in the creation of the Morgan Dollar, you can visit her Wikipedia page.