Maine Centennial Half Dollar (1820-1920)

Congress approved this commemorative half-dollar for the centennial of the state of Maine in 1920. Monmouth, Maine, artist Harry Cochrane provided drawings of the proposed coin design, and Anthony de Francisci was then asked by the Commission of Fine Arts to prepare relief models from which the mint could make dies and strike coins. The obverse shows the state's coat of arms depicting a pine tree, "the pride of her forests," and a moose, symbolizing liberty and the spirit of independence. A farmer with a scythe and a sailor holding an anchor represent the land and sea of Maine. The Latin motto Dirigo---"I Direct" or "I Guide"---refers to the North Star and to Maine as a leader in the union of states.