He came to the United States in 1876 and was hired as an assistant engraver at the Mint in October under
William Barber. He figured very prominently in the production of
pattern coins from 1877 onward, and designed several varieties of 1877 half dollars, the 1879 "Schoolgirl" dollar, and the 1882 "Shield Earring" coins. He became the seventh
Chief Engraver of the United States Mint following the death of
Charles E. Barber in February 1917. Morgan is most famous for designing the
Morgan dollar, one of many namesakes, as well as the never-released $100 Gold Union coin. , designed in 1876, features an image of the
Goddess of Liberty modeled by
Anna Willess Williams , c. 1875 ==Personal life==