James P. Sankey, Co. K, one of the last surviving Roundheads, who posed as a model for Frank Vittnor's 75th Commemorative Gettysburg Anniversary half dollar coin minted in 1936 for the 75th Anniversary in 1938. Interestingly, Sankey and the Roundheads were not even at Gettysburg! However, there were only a few battle-hardened Union Pennsylvania veterans left in 1936, and Sankey was invited to pose for the coin at the age of almost 90! Sankey enlisted with the 100th PVI Roundheads in 1863 at the age of 16.
These articles came out of a Pittsburgh newspaper, exact date unknown. Articles contributed by descendant, Jeff Heckler.
Newspaper article at time of 75th Gettysburg Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar Announcement, 1938 |
First portion of Newspaper article describing sculpture of James P. Sankey, 1936 |
2nd portion of Newspaper article describing sculpture of James P. Sankey |
Front face of 75th Gettysburg Anniversary Commemorative half dollar |
Reverse face of 75th Gettysburg Anniversary Commemorative half dollar |
Note: Based on the Webauthor's research, uncirculated coins are currently valued at approximately $375.00 --Coin images used with permission from Commemoratives International Ltd. |