Frank Gasparro

Frank Gasparro was a renowned American sculptor and engraver, best known for his work as the tenth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, a position he held from 1965 to 1981. During his tenure, Gasparro worked on numerous notable projects, including the design of the Lincoln cent and the Susan B. Anthony dollar. He collaborated with prominent figures such as Gilroy Roberts, the ninth Chief Engraver, and Eva Adams, the Director of the United States Mint. Gasparro's work had a significant impact on the world of numismatics, with his designs being used by the Federal Reserve and the United States Department of the Treasury.

● Early Life and Education

Frank Gasparro was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Italian immigrant parents, and grew up in a family of modest means. He developed an interest in art at a young age and attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art, where he studied sculpture and engraving under the tutelage of renowned artists such as Alexander Stirling Calder and John J. Boyle. Gasparro's early work was influenced by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and he was particularly drawn to the works of Auguste Rodin and Constantin Brâncuși. After completing his education, Gasparro worked as a sculptor and engraver for several private companies, including the Philadelphia Mint, before joining the United States Mint in 1942.

● Career

Gasparro's career at the United States Mint spanned over four decades, during which he worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the design of the Kennedy half dollar and the American Eagle coin program. He collaborated with prominent numismatists such as Q. David Bowers and Eric P. Newman, and his work was influenced by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and the Professional Coin Grading Service. Gasparro's tenure as Chief Engraver was marked by significant changes in the world of numismatics, including the introduction of the Clad coinage and the Copper-nickel clad coinage. He worked closely with the Federal Reserve System, the United States Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to implement these changes.

● Notable Works

Some of Gasparro's most notable works include the design of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which was the first circulating United States dollar coin to feature an actual woman, and the American Arts Commemorative Series, which featured a series of commemorative coins honoring American artists such as John James Audubon and Frederic Remington. Gasparro's designs were also used for the 1984 Summer Olympics commemorative coins, which were minted by the United States Mint in conjunction with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. His work was influenced by the American Numismatic Society, the Numismatic Literary Guild, and the Society of Medalists, and he was a member of the Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d'Art.

● Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Gasparro received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the American Numismatic Association's Medal of Merit and the Numismatic Literary Guild's Clemy Award. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1981. Gasparro's legacy continues to be felt in the world of numismatics, with his designs remaining popular among collectors and his influence evident in the work of contemporary numismatists such as Don Everhart and Joseph Menna. The United States Mint has continued to produce coins and medals featuring Gasparro's designs, including the American Eagle coin program and the America the Beautiful Quarters program.

● Personal Life

Gasparro was married to his wife, Mary Gasparro, for over 50 years, and the couple had two children together. He was an avid collector of coins and medals, and his personal collection included rare and historic pieces such as the 1804 Draped Bust dollar and the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. Gasparro was also a member of several numismatic organizations, including the American Numismatic Association and the Numismatic Literary Guild, and he served as a mentor to young numismatists such as Q. David Bowers and Eric P. Newman. After his retirement from the United States Mint in 1981, Gasparro continued to work as a sculptor and engraver, producing private commissions and exhibiting his work at galleries such as the National Sculpture Society and the Society of Medalists. Category:American sculptors