1869 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-6a. Rarity-6. With Stars. Unc Details--Scratches (NGC).Pleasingly original toning in a blend of charcoal-blue and pale rose enhance the appeal of this piece, as do sharply impressed devices and lustrous semi-reflective surfaces. The NGC qualifier concerns unfortunate concentrations of light scratches at the upper right obverse and reverse borders. The short, yet bold die crack (as made) from the obverse rim to star 5 is the cause of this dies early demise and the Mints adoption of the No Stars replacement (JK AC-5, offered above) for most of the Assay Commission medals produced in 1869. In fact, all known examples of JK AC-6 display this die break. Very scarce!From the Newmark Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin & Antique Co.s Auction 60, June 1996, lot 268. Lot tag included.