The coin’s aesthetics were much admired, but its detail and high points presented issues for the mint. The couple were Weinman’s tenants at the time, and Elsie posed wearing an old stocking to mimic a Phrygian Cap. Lady Liberty was modeled by Elsie Stevens, the spouse of Wallace Stevens.
Weinman’s designs were chosen for the Mercury Dime and the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. They invited Adolph Weinman, Albin Polasek, and Hermon MacNeil to come up with alternatives. But the mint’s leadership didn’t like his sketches. The Barber Coinage was designed by Chief Mint Engraver Charles Barber in 1892, and he wanted to do the redesigns as well. He thought it said coins must be redesigned after 25 years, but The Act only offered it as a fuss-free minting option. Also, he misinterpreted the Coinage Act of 1890. The coin was unpopular with the public, and the new Mint Director, Robert Woolley, was eager to change it. When Barber Coinage reached its 25 th anniversary in 1916, the US Mint was quick to replace it.
