The year, 1915. The new Director of the United States Mint, Robert Woolley, misunderstood the law. He thought he had to redesign the dime, quarter, and half dollar. So he did.
Chief Engraver of the Mint, Charles Barber, had designed all three of those coins being replaced (shown here in this photo). He was furious.
But coin enthusiasts cheered. Gone were Barber's dull designs, and they were replaced by -
...but listen to the story.
It's at http://thetreasurecorner.com .