Houdon bust Washington quarter

the obverse of washington before boston medal first medallic use of houdon s bust.

portraits of washington on medals , in other media subsequent sculptor s visit based on houdon s work, beginning 1786 washington before boston medal engraved pierre simon duviviers. although 1 american, abraham lincoln, had appeared on circulating coin 1920s, houdon bust had been used basis of portrait of washington on commemorative lafayette dollar dated 1900 , on sesquicentennial half dollar of 1926. according coin dealer , numismatic historian q. david bowers, houdon bust, then, common representation of washington on coins , medals. little known of flanagan s creative process, although models of flanagan s quarter different portrayal of washington, facing right, , different eagle, have come on market. flanagan s adaptation differs houdon bust in particulars: example, shape of head different, , there roll of hair on quarter not found on bust.

art historian cornelius vermeule said of flanagan s quarter, die designer little wrong in having houdon s neoclassic image prototype ... still, might asked whether or not fair force ideal[ized] portrait of washington made in 1785 on artist working in 1932. there cold , lifeless results. vermeule suggests quarter started trend of similar portrait coins issued united states, notably jefferson nickel , franklin half dollar. historian preferred laura fraser s version, , termed flanagan s reverse stiff bit of heraldry amid large wreath , or large lettering .