1936 United States Assay Commission Medal. JK AC-81, Baker B-348. Rarity-6. Bronze. Edge Inscribed to Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross. MS-68 (PCGS).76 mm. Edge inscribed ANNUAL ASSAY 1936 at 12 oclock, HON. NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS at 6 oclock. An incredible example of this rare type, both sides are aglow with a bright golden-yellow finish. Sharply struck with a virtually pristine appearance. It seems the design of the 1936 Assay Commission medal was overlooked until the last minute, at which point the Mint made the decision to mule the obverses of two regular Presidential medals then being sold to collectors. The Assay Commission medals thus created and presented to commissioners all had their edges inscribed ANNUAL ASSAY 1936, as above.<p>The 1936 is one of the rarest of all Assay Commission medals, with examples very difficult to obtain and always in strong demand among specialists. The example in the Dreyfuss Sale realized $4,400, and it is particularly revealing that this issue was not represented in our (Stacks) November 2008 sale of the important Ernest E. Keusch Collection of United States Assay Medals. We anticipate an impressive winning bid for this superior specimen from the estate of Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross.From the Collection of Nellie Tayloe Ross, Director of the U.S. Mint, 1933-1953.
