 The removal of the sword from the coinage hub , which had already been produced by reduction from the plaster models , was accomplished by painstaking work by Mint Chief Engraver Morgan , using extremely fine engraving tools under magnification . Morgan did the work on December 23 in the presence of de Francisci , who had been summoned to the Philadelphia Mint to ensure the work met with his approval . It was insufficient merely to remove the sword , as the rest of the design had to be adjusted . Morgan had to hide the excision ; he did so by extending the olive branch , previously half @-@ hidden by the sword , but had to remove a small length of stem that showed to the left of the eagle 's talons . Morgan also strengthened the rays , and sharpened the appearance of the eagle 's leg . The chief engraver did his work with such skill that the work on the dollar was not known for over 85 years . 
