Charles Keck is one of my favorite numismatic artists/sculptors who was involved with the United States ("US") commemorative coin series. I've always enjoyed the depth of his coin and medal sculpts. In addition to his class-era commemorative coins, I also have examples of his commemorative medals in my collection.
Keck was born on September 9, 1875 in New York City, New York ("NYC"). He received formal art training at the National Academy of Design (NYC) as a teenager (1899-1905) and was also simultaneously part of the Art Students League (also NYC). He furthered his studies as an assistant to Augustus St. Gaudens (1893-1898). Keck also studies for a time in Europe, but returned to US and worked out of his NYC studio from 1905 through his death. Keck died in New York on April 23, 1951 at the age of 75.
In addition to his numismatic work, Keck was also an accomplished artist in the field of monumental sculpture, being the artist responsible for such works as the Washington Monument in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the equestrian statue of Confederate General Stonewall" Jackson in Richmond, Virginia, the Liberty Monument in Fort Ticonderoga, New York and the Lewis and Clark Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.
On a much smaller scale, here are a few of his numismatic credits:
1915-S Panama-Pacific International Exposition Gold Dollar
1927 Battle of Bennington - Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1936 Lynchburg, Virginia Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
BONUSIn addition to being selected to produce the designs/models for the 1927 "Vermont" half dollar, Keck was also selected by the Vermont Sesquicentennial Commission to create the official commemorative medal for the anniversary.
1927 Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial Medal
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more about each of the pieces referenced above, see:
Commems CollectionPS If this post piqued your interest in Charles Keck, I encourage you to use your preferred internet search engine to discover more!
Posted 01/22/2026 08:32 am
