1879 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 38 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-19a. Rarity-5. AU Details--Rim Damage (NGC).An originally toned, otherwise silver-olive example that reveals iridescent pink, apricot and powder blue highlights as the surfaces rotate under a light. Minor abrasions and bruises here and there around the rims explain the NGC qualifier. The first of the larger format (38 mm vs 33 mm) Assay Commission medals, the 1879 was produced to the extent of at least four silver and 30 copper (or bronze) impressions. The reverse design symbolizes Joseph Henrys leadership of the Smithsonian Institution from 1846 through his death in 1878. The obverse design also commemorates a recent death, in this case that of Mint Director Henry R. Linderman who passed on January 27, 1879, only a short time before the meeting of the Commission that year.From the Newmark Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin & Antique Co.s Litman, Sullivan and Dreyfuss Collections sale, December 2004, lot 505. Lot tag included.
