Gilroy Roberts
Encyclopedia
Gilroy Roberts was a sculptor, gemstone carver, and the ninth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint
between 1948 and 1964. He designed the obverse of the United States
Kennedy half dollar
, which was first issued in 1964. After he retired from the U.S. Mint, he became chairman of the Franklin Mint
, where he continued to use his engraving talents. He served in this position until 1971.
United States Mint
The United States Mint primarily produces circulating coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint was created by Congress with the Coinage Act of 1792, and placed within the Department of State...
between 1948 and 1964. He designed the obverse of the United States
United States coinage
United States coinage was first minted by the new republic in 1792. New coins have been produced every year since then and they make up a valuable aspect of the United States currency system. Today circulating coins exist in denominations: $0.01, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $0.50, and $1.00. Also minted...
Kennedy half dollar
Kennedy half dollar
Within hours of the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, Mint Director Eva Adams called Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, informing him that serious consideration was being given to depicting Kennedy on one of the larger silver coins: either the silver dollar, half dollar, or...
, which was first issued in 1964. After he retired from the U.S. Mint, he became chairman of the Franklin Mint
Franklin Mint
The Franklin Mint is a private corporation founded by Joseph Segel in 1964. The private mint operated from Wawa, Pennsylvania but that operation has now closed...
, where he continued to use his engraving talents. He served in this position until 1971.