Lawrie, Lee Oskar

Person

Lee Oskar Lawrie (1877–1963) (sculptor, teacher, and designer) was born in Rixford, Germany. He immigrated to the United States with his mother when he was an infant. At age 13, he worked as a helper to many sculptors at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Fine Arts at Yale University. Among his credits: the design and engraving of the World War II Service medal (front and back) and, in 1942, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal (back) for the United States Mint.

Pessolano-Filos, Francis. The Venus Numismatics Dictionary of Artists, Designers, Modellers, Engravers, and Die Sinkers Whose Works Were Commissioned by or Struck by the United States Mint, 1792–1977. New York: Eros Publishing Company, 1983.