De Francisci’s Original Designs
De Francisci’s obverse submission is very similar to what we know today—a bold profile of Lady Liberty, modeled after the artist’s wife. But if you look closely, you’ll notice some significant differences. To start, de Francisci originally used Roman rather than Arabic numerals for the date. More subtle differences on the original design include a closed mouth and a slightly larger chin and nose.
For the reverse, de Francisci offered up two choices. One features an early version of the reverse we’ve come to know and love—a proud eagle perched on a rock, and olive branch clutched in its talons. The second reverse design presents a far bolder image—a fierce bald eagle grasping a sword (representing Germany and its allies), bending and breaking its tip with its beak.
Interestingly, the judges originally had de Francisci combine his designs, adding in a broken sword to the perched eagle reverse. The eagle’s head and shoulders were also modified to be more erect, and the word “PEACE” was added to the rock. But when an image of this combined design was released, the result was public outcry! The broken sword was harshly panned, as it is often seen as a sign of defeat and disgrace rather than victory.
Perhaps the public would have responded differently had de Francisci’s original vision been shown, with the bald eagle forcibly breaking the sword—a clear show of strength rather than defeat. In the end, though, the sword element was removed, and the world received its Peace Silver Dollar.
But what of the other original reverse? What of Anthony de Francisci’s original vision?