XF Vermont Half

What exactly is the signifigance of the lion/panther on the reverse? Thats a very nice coin.

From an earlier reply that I provided on this coin:

The reverse of this great USA coin features an image of a catamount ... which is in fact a Canadian lynx related to the USA mountain lion.

Designer Charles Keck chose this subtle image in homage to the Catamount Tavern ... where history records that in early 1777 the Allen brothers Ethan and Iris met with their "Green Mountain Boys" to plot an insurgency against New York State claims to the lands now known as Vermont.

War with the British soon broke out ... and on August 16, 1777 the Green Mountain Boys ... supported by local militia ... defeated the British army at the Battle of Bennington.

The land dispute with New York was set aside ... and Vermont joined the Union in 1791.

Interesting that Ira Allen chose "Vermont" as the proposed State name ... this is the French language equivalent of "Green Mountain" ... and another connection to the history of the USA shown on this great commemorative.

Ira Allen died a pauper in Philadelphia in the year 1814 ... after spending 6 years in a British prison having been caught trying to return to Vermont in 1795 with a supply of arms purchased from France ... and despite his acknowledged contributions as 'Founder of Vermont" he was IMHO a tragic figure in USA history ... and only remembered by a few.

David

"The original design incorporated Fay's Tavern,also known as the Catamount Tavern.It's name was derived from a stuffed member of the species exhibited atop a flagpole outside the historic meeting place.However the design showing the tavern was regarded inartistic by the Fine Arts Commission and rejected.Preferred was the catamount..."
Info is direct quote from the book "Commemorative Coins of the United States" by Anthony Swiatek 1st edition printed 1993.