Farran Zerbe - The Peace Dollar

The Peace Dollar

Frank G. Duffield, editor of The Numismatist, prepared a paper for the 1918 Philadelphia convention of the American Numismatic Association. The paper called for a general circulation coin to commemorate America's inevitable victory in World War I.

The ANA convention was not held that summer because of an influenza epidemic that broke out. It took 100,000 lives along the East Coast and tens of millions worldwide. On August 25, 1920, at the ANA convention in Chicago, Waldo C. Moore, President, called on Moritz Wormser, Chairman of the Board, to read a paper from Farran Zerbe of California. Zerbe's proposal asked for a general circulation commemorative coin and the object of the coin was to be America's influence for peace. Zerbe's letter said: "Our example as a democracy... was a mighty moral force that won battles without number in the hearts and in the minds of those who ultimately proved that they had the power to topple thrones..."

Zerbe reminded the convention that "liberty and rule by will of the majority gave equal opportunity for energy and thrift, time and talent, bringing contentment, prosperity and honour as merited." Farran Zerbe's proposal also included a call for a popular competition in which he asked for either a half dollar or a dollar, to allow for a maximum field for the artist. Zerbe's intent was clearly an allegorical or symbolic design although it would be a point of contention when the coin finally came out. Zerbe's original proposal that the designer come from outside the United States Mint presented obstacles. The Congressional resolution of May 9 said nothing about a design competition. Despite objections, a contest was held and the announcement was made on November 23, 1921.

The first Peace Dollar was presented to President Warren G. Harding on January 3, 1922. The Numismatist for February included words of criticism. Disappointment and thin consolation was expressed came from Anthony de Francisci, Farran Zerbe, and Judson Brenner (chairman of the ANA Peace Coin Committee), and ANA president, Moritz Wormser. Among the faults was the fact that the coin was not symbolic or allegorical. The sunrise could be interpreted as heralding a new day of peace, and, of course, there was the word itself carved on a rock. The olive branch adorns most American money. It is likely that the ANA was hoping for something more like the Panama- Pacific issues.

He died in 1949 in New York City.