
Charles E. Barber Commemorative Medal
This medal was issued to commemorate and honor Charles E. Barber, a master steel engraver and the sixth Chief Engraver on the U. S. Mint in Philadelphia.
The reverse of this medal shows depictions of the familiar “Barber Head”, and other symbols relating to Barber. His Columbia is shown casting flowers to this medal to commemorate him, while originally she cast them on the opening of the Panama Canal. Queen Isabella of Spain is shown, the only foreign monarch ever portrayed on a United States coin. While a six-pointed star has always been used on U.S coins, Barber was the first to use the five-pointed star on his 1879 $4.00 coin, and later on the reverse of his 1892 coin series. His initial B is found as a very small letter on his coins, but most of his medals bear his first initials and last name in full.
The sculpture modelling and die-engraving on the Barber medal were done by Robert Stephan Schabel.
The Barber medal was planned and designed by Toivo Johnson.
This medal was struck in the shops of the Medal Arts Company in Rochester, New York in 1962.
Comments
Well worn Copper
Level 5
Lately Barber's legacy has been given a fresh coat of paint and many are looking at him in a new light. I've always felt his medallic efforts were superior to the bland coinage we know of.
Longstrider
Level 6
Even though I am not a fan of barbers work, mostly, I do like this medal. Thanks for the blog.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Teddy Roosevelt is on the obverse.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Oh, what a stunning piece. Really makes you appreciate Mr. Barber's work.
CoinLady
Level 6
Thanks for finding this. Collectors of Barber coinage should love this beautiful medal.
Mike
Level 7
That's a beautiful medal. He was a great designer and engraver. Thanks for the blogs ad history.. Mike.
JimmyD
Level 4
Hi Many. Nice blog post. I especially like the references to the commems, including what looks suspiciously like the reverse of the Pan Pac half dollar, one of my favorites. Good stuff. Thanks for posting. Jim
"SUN"
Level 6
Nice blog. Beautiful medal.
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
Charles Barber is definitely top 3 bets engravers. This medal sums up his work pretty well. I enjoy this blog, thank you.
Kepi
Level 6
Enjoyed your blog! That's really a beautiful medal! Barber is one of my favorite Engravers. Thanks for the information!