JOHN FLANNAGAN (1865 - 1952) known for his statuary and plaquettes, was a recognized designer of coinage and commemorative medals. Until 1890, he was a studio assistant to famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He designed the US quarter dollar with the profile of George Washington adapted from a bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, a coin in continuous circulation since 1932. Flanagan also designed the official medal of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 and the Verdun Medal, a gift to France commemorating the World War I battle.

(Source: Bates College; Image Credit: Smithsonian American Art Museum)