Trygve Rovelstad

Trygve A. Rovelstad (September 27, 1903 – June 8, 1990) was an American sculptor and medal designer. [1]

1936 Elgin Centennial half dollar

Trygve A. Rovelstad was born in Elgin, Illinois to Norwegian immigrant parents. Rovelstad first studied at Fabyan Villa art studio on the estate of George Fabyan in Geneva, Illinois. Later he was accepted to work and study at the studio of sculptor Lorado Taft. He also attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and at Beaux-Arts Institute of Design in New York City. [2]

Rovelstad designed medals for the United States War Department, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Occupation of Germany Medal (General John J. Pershing Medal), Unit Blue Citation Badge, Women's Army Corps (WACs) Medal and Insignia Lapel Pins, and the E-Medal. He also designed non-military coins and medals for the United States Mint, the State of Illinois, and other bodies. [3]

He was a lifelong resident of Elgin and created several works honoring the city's history. Several of his sculptures are displayed at the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum. His public sculptures include the Pioneer Family Memorial on the east bank of the Fox River and a bust of James Talcott Gifford (1800-1850), founder of Elgin. [4]

Commemorative coin
Main article: Elgin, Illinois, Centennial half dollar

In 1936, the commemorative Elgin Centennial half dollar designed by Rovelstad was issued by the United States Mint. Commemorating the centennial of Elgin, Illinois, the obverse features the profile of a pioneer with the dates "1673 * 1936," while the reverse features a pioneer family (four adults and a baby in its mother's arms). The coin was issued to finance the construction of Trygve Rovelstad's Pioneer Family Memorial. [5] [6]

References
  1. "Trygve A. Rovelstad". Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  2. "Fabyan Villa Museum". Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  3. "Trygve Rovelstad". This Old Palette. February 25, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  4. "An Overview of Elgin's History". Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  5. "1936 Elgin Commemorative Half Dollar". Collectors Universe, Inc. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  6. Phil Borchmann (November 16, 1999). "Pioneer Still Seeking Elgin Home". Collectors Universe, Inc. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
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