Thomas James Ferrell (September 28, 1939 – May 27, 2020) was an American engraver and medalist best known for his work for The Franklin Mint.

T. James Ferrell
Born
Thomas James Ferrell

September 28, 1939
DiedMay 27, 2020(2020-05-27) (aged 80)
Alma materPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Barnes Foundation
Known forEngraving

Biography

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Ferrell was born on September 28, 1939, in Clayton, New Jersey,[1] and graduated as part of the class of 1959 from Clayton High School, where he played baseball and football, and was recognized for his art work.[2][3] He graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1963 and worked for the Philadelphia Bulletin for six years. He later studied at the Barnes Foundation.[4]

In 1969, Ferrell began working for The Franklin Mint as a medalist. In August 1989, he was appointed to the engraving department of the United States Mint, retiring in March 2003.[5]

 
The reverse of the 1991 Mount Rushmore Anniversary coin, designed by Ferrell

In 2002, the American Numismatic Association awarded Ferrell the Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture.[6]

He died in his sleep on May 27, 2020, aged 80.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Ferrell, Thomas James (1939–2020), Medailleur – MMLO". mmlo.de. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  2. ^ "Across South Jersey", Courier Post, January 6, 1995. Accessed July 4, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "T. James Ferrell, a 1959 graduate of Clayton High School, has helped design the Thomas Jefferson silver dollar for the Franklin Mint in Philadelphia."
  3. ^ a b "Mint Engraver T. James Ferrell". www.coinbooks.org. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  4. ^ Bowers, Q. David (29 April 2021). "Mint Engraver T. James Ferrell". Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Ferrell, T.J." Dick Johnson's Databank. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  6. ^ "ANA Honors T. James Ferrell With Medallic Sculpture Award" (PDF). American Numismatic Association. 3 August 2002. Retrieved 2024-07-03.