The educational event “Augustus Saint-Gaudens: The Renaissance of American Coinage” is being held August 15-18 at the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, Cornish, New Hampshire. The seminar is the American Numismatic Association’s inaugural “Destination Education” program, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the life and work of Saint-Gaudens in the beautiful New Hampshire setting where he created his work and made his home.

No artist embodied the optimism of the American Renaissance movement more than sculptor and numismatic designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Students will spend three nights at the historic Juniper Hill Inn and attend four 3-hour sessions scheduled over two days to study his work and influence on American art and coinage.

“Augustus Saint-Gaudens: The Renaissance of American Coinage” is being held in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association’s 2010 World’s Fair of Money® in Boston. The cost is $1,595 per person and $2,390 per couple (one queen bed). The price is all-inclusive: tuition, gourmet meals, lodging and transportation are included.

This event is for members of the ANA or the American Numismatic Society. To register or for more information, call 719-482-9850 or visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com.

Some of the world’s top Saint-Gaudens scholars will be featured:

Dr. Henry J. Duffy, Curator, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

A Tour and Overview of the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site and Museum

Dr. Duffy will lead a museum tour of the site and present a lecture covering the historic Saint-Gaudens site, the artist’s life and his importance to American art history. Over 100 of Saint-Gaudens’ works can be seen in the galleries.

Dr. Ute Wartenberg Kagan, Executive Director, American Numismatic Society

Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his Influence on Medallic Art in America

Although Saint-Gaudens is best known for his sculptures and coin designs, he worked extensively on medals and plaques. Dr. Wartenberg Kagan will examine Saint-Gaudens’ artistic influences, primarily from 19th century French and Italian Renaissance medals.

Roger W. Burdette, author, The Renaissance of American Coinage

Saint-Gaudens and America’s Coinage

By the late nineteenth century the Treasury Department and Bureau of the Mint were in agreement: it was time to change the designs on America’s coins. Mr. Burdette will discuss how President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for U.S. coins and faith in the skills of Saint-Gaudens began a Renaissance of American Coinage.

John Mercanti, Chief Engraver, United States Mint

Engraving Artistry & Techniques

Mr. Mercanti will lead a discussion about numismatic engraving techniques and artistry, and how they have changed since Saint-Gaudens’ time. He will also focus on the development of digital data that enabled the U.S. Mint to generate work dies that produced the 2009 version of the 22k Saint-Gaudens ultra high relief coin.

The Juniper Hill Inn is an historic Vermont bed and breakfast located in the town of Windsor and is the largest Colonial revival mansion in New England. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its hilltop setting provides spectacular views of Ascutney Mountain and Lake Runnemede. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Dwight Eisenhower stayed at this beautiful inn. The dining room offers the opportunity to connect over an elegant menu with comfortable country service, and guest rooms complement the rest of the property in both elegance and privacy.

The American Numismatic Association is a Congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

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