1936 U.S. Assay Commission Medal. Bronze. 76 mm. By John R. Sinnock and, historically, Pierre Simon DuVivier. JK AC-81. Rarity-6. MS-68 (NGC).
Offered is a beautiful example of this rare medal. The obverse surface quality is excellent, with no individual blemishes of note, however there is an overall darker appearance on this side resulting from the mint-applied finish showing some slight deterioration over the fields and on Roosevelts rugged bust. A truly insignificant speck before Washingtons neck is the sole defect on the reverse, which otherwise displays an extremely pleasing light olive-brown patina. Julian and Keusch (<em>Medals of the United States Assay Commission 1860-1977) state that this is "one of the rarest of all modern Assay medals, and is the subject of strong competition amongst collectors."
Part of that competition is due to the actual rarity of the piece, but an equally important factor is the use of portraits of George Washington on one side and Franklin Roosevelt on the other -- each of whom has a strong and active collector base. Julian and Keusch also note that the medals actually presented to commission members were inscribed on the edge with an incuse ANNUAL ASSAY 1936, and this specimen has that edge inscription. Clearly the present offering is a rare and important one that deserves serious consideration among specialists.
