CHARLES AND WILLIAM BARBER

For those who collect gold coins, the name of Augustus Saint-Gaudens is synonymous with fine art as found on the double eagle that carries his name. Other artists, such as James B. Longacre and Christian Gobrecht, are also well known, but it is seldom mentioned that a father and son combination ruled the engraving department of the Philadelphia Mint from 1869 to 1917, nearly a half century of service.

The son, Charles E. Barber, is reasonably well known because of the Barber dimes, quarters and half dollars that were struck from 1892 to 1916. The father, William Barber, is not well remembered in the numismatic world, although he was responsible for the designs on two denominations: the 20-cent piece and the Trade dollar.

William Barber was born in London on May 2, 1807, the son of John Barber. The future chief engraver learned his trade directly from his father, though it did not at the time include dies for coins or medals. John Barber was noted for his fine line engraving on silverware, and his son, William, grew up in this world.

From the late 1820s, William Barber worked for several of the prestigious silversmiths of London and in particular the De La Rue firm, justly famed for its high-quality work. William worked at De La Rue for some years but grew increasingly dissatisfied with his London life.

At length, in 1852, William Barber