Patterns (1977)

History and Overview

In 1977, Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro prepared a design for a new small-diameter metal dollar to replace the large (regular-diameter) Eisenhower dollar then in use. The obverse design was inspired by Joseph Wright’s Liberty Cap design as used on the 1793 copper cent, and had been recently used by Gasparro for a medal made for the American Numismatic Association. The reverse, also by Gasparro, is perhaps the engraver’s tribute to Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It depicts an eagle in flight over the sun with resplendent rays. Gasparro was a strong advocate of this design and shared his views widely, but Congress found the motif to be anachronistic. He was directed to use the image of Susan B. Anthony. It is believed that one or more trial strikings were made, but none are known to exist today.