Anthony de Francisci
Biography
Born in Palermo, Sicily; came to America in 1903. Studied at the Cooper Union 1906 to 1908. Married in 1920 to Teresa with a daughter. (Teresa Cafarelli deFrancisci was born in Italy May 6, 1898. She was the model for the face on the Peace Dollar.) He studied under three coin designers. He studied under James Earl Fraser at the Art Students League and under Herman MacNeil and Adolph Weinman 1907 to 1917. Taught at Columbia University and the National Academy. He received the J. Sanford Saltus award medal in 1927.
He died at home in New York City.
de Francisci designed the Peace dollar issued 1921 to 1935. He also designed the Maine Centennial half dollar struck in 1920. Designer of the John J. Pershing Congressional Gold Medal.
bio: Fielding; P-F; WWWA-4; WWWAmArt
obit: NN 11/9/64: NYT 10/21/64
Source credit: Pete Smith, American Numismatic Biographies
Bio Snapshot
Date of Birth: 1887 - Jun - 13Place of Birth: Palermo, Sicily
Date of Death: 1964 - Oct - 20