Frank Gasparro (1909-2001)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Designer of the reverse side of the Lincoln Penny and, with Gilroy Roberts, the Kennedy half-dollar. Born & educated in classical art in Philadelphia, Gasparro was first employed as a junior engraver by the U.S. Mint in 1942. By 1965 he was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as the 10th Chief Engraver. Designed numerous coins and medals, including, the Eisenhower & Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Frank Gasparro, born and trained in classical art in Philadelphia, joined the U.S. Mint as a junior engraver in 1942 and rose to become its 10th Chief Engraver in 1965. His designs are among the most widely handled art in America: the reverse of the Lincoln penny, and, with Gilroy Roberts, the Kennedy half-dollar. He also shaped the Eisenhower and Susan B. Anthony dollars, among many other coins and medals.
Why it matters
Gasparro's engravings turned everyday pocket change into a shared national gallery, making one Philadelphia artist's work familiar to virtually every American.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.6 mi away
- Hill-Physick House0.6 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House0.8 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer0.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.9 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.2 mi away · Christian Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.9 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.9 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.9 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.9 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.7 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.7 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.8 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.8 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.8 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.7 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.7 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.8 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.8 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.9 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.9 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Frank Gasparro
- · Gilroy Roberts
- · Lyndon Johnson
Themes & tags
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