Hoffecker provided sketches for the half dollar, and sent them to the Bureau of the Mint for approval.
Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross on June 27 forwarded them to the Commission of Fine Arts for its recommendation, noting that the position of Hoffecker's initials between the anniversary dates was objectionable.
The Commission sent the sketches to its sculptor member, Lee Lawrie, for his approval, and he thought they would make a good coin if modeled properly.
The sketches had lacked the word "Liberty", something Ross had pointed out.
Lawrie felt it must be included, and suggested it be inserted between the cow's horns, which it was.
Lawrie also recommended the initials be made less conspicuous.
The full commission approved the designs, subject to Lawrie's criticisms being addressed.

Edmund J. Senn of El Paso was hired to make the required plaster models based on the designs and the requirements of the Fine Arts Commission.
Hoffecker related that he had sought to hire one of two or three sculptors in the East, but each would take too long and wanted liberty to make changes.
Senn was unemployed, and, by Hoffecker's account, he stood over Senn, who worked in Hoffecker's garage.
The models were sent to the Fine Arts Commission, which did not like the appearance of the cow's head and required that it be modified.
It also questioned the placing of the word LIBERTY on a riband, as if it were a motto, which it is not.
Senn revised his models, though little change was made to the head.
Hoffecker provided sketches for the half dollar, and sent them to the Bureau of the Mint for approval. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross on June 27 forwarded them to the Commission of Fine Arts for its recommendation, noting that the position of Hoffecker's initials between the anniversary dates was objectionable. The Commission sent the sketches to its sculptor member, Lee Lawrie, for his approval, and he thought they would make a good coin if modeled properly. The sketches had lacked the word "Liberty", something Ross had pointed out. Lawrie felt it must be included, and suggested it be inserted between the cow's horns, which it was. Lawrie also recommended the initials be made less conspicuous. The full commission approved the designs, subject to Lawrie's criticisms being addressed.
Edmund J. Senn of El Paso was hired to make the required plaster models based on the designs and the requirements of the Fine Arts Commission. Hoffecker related that he had sought to hire one of two or three sculptors in the East, but each would take too long and wanted liberty to make changes. Senn was unemployed, and, by Hoffecker's account, he stood over Senn, who worked in Hoffecker's garage. The models were sent to the Fine Arts Commission, which did not like the appearance of the cow's head and required that it be modified. It also questioned the placing of the word LIBERTY on a riband, as if it were a motto, which it is not. Senn revised his models, though little change was made to the head.
Old Spanish Trail half dollar