Click to enlarge1952 Fraser Reverse Plaster

The following reverse plaster is by James Earl Fraser and was a design used on a 1952 cent pattern.

"The following is from Numismatic Auctions LLC's June 1918 lot 1018.

White alabaster plaster with bronze powder coating, 10.5 inches, unsigned but design executed by James Earle Fraser. Oak tree dividing legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; below ONE CENT/E PLURIBUS UNUM. Embedded notes on back “July-27- 1951/from July-23-1951 CAST/FINAL.” Penciled note “Circle enlarged for top of tree.” Virtually as made with original yellow dot sticker with “489” on back and additional label “Leidman/2300” on back. There is also a small area of staining on the back only.

From a letter by U.S. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross noted “The Oak tree as a symbol because Lincoln was a woodsman…It stands too for strength, ever renewing growth, and unity. Like a nation, it has roots, a trunk, branches, flowers and finally fruit.”

Originally sold in Joseph L. Lepczyk’s Sale No. 36, October 23-24, 1980, Lot 489."

Image courtesy of Mike Byers.