Henry Gugler

Johann Heinrich “Henry” Gugler also known as Henry Gugler (September 27, 1816 - September 6, 1880) was an engraver for the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. His most important work was an engraving of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln engraving was used on the United States five-dollar bill beginning with the Series of 1928.

Early life In 1816 Henry Gugler was born in Württemberg Germany. While in Germany Gugler learned the engraving trade; he focussed on creating book illustrations. In 1853, he emigrated to the United States with his wife and his six year old son Julius. He was hired at the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) on January 15, 1863.

Gugler executed the center portrait that appeared on the obverse of the United States 1869 United States five-dollar bill known as the "Woodchopper" note. Gugler engraved the center image on the obverse which portrayed a pioneer family. Also in 1869, Gugler completed his most important work, an engraving of Abraham Lincoln which was based on an 1865 painting by John H. Littlefield. The Lincoln engraving took Gugler three years to complete. The engraved image was used on the United States five-dollar bill beginning with the Series of 1928; the bill featured the portrait of Lincoln.

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