Trygve Rovelstad

Trygve A. Rovelstad (September 27, 1903 – June 8, 1990) was a renowned medalist and sculptor. He was born to Norwegian immigrant parents in Elgin, Illinois. He was a lifelong resident of Elgin and created several works honoring the city's history.

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. His public sculptures include a bust of James T. Gifford, founder of Elgin, Illinois, and a pioneer family memorial in downtown Elgin.

Commemorative coin

In 1936, a commemorative 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.

External links

* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/rovelstad/ Pictures of Rovelstad sculptures at Flickr]
* [http://www.foxvalleyarts.org/rovelstad.htm A biography of Rovelstad]
* [http://www.worksandwords.com/moneym/elginh.htm A picture of the Elgin Centennial Half Dollar]
* [http://www.coinfacts.com/commemoratives/half_dollar_commems/elgin.htm Info about the Elgin Centennial Half Dollar]