1891 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 33 mm. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. JK AC-34a. Rarity-5. AU-55 (NGC).Light silver gray surfaces with warmer steel highlights here and there around the peripheries. The obverse portrait is that of Treasury Secretary William Windom. Since Windom died on January 29, 1891 and the commissioners received their medals in February of that year, the decision to use his portrait on this medal was obviously a hasty one that required a quick turnaround time from Engraver Charles E. Barber. The 1914 Mint catalog credits the reverse design to George T. Morgan, and it depicts a man conducting an assay beneath a Latin legend that translates as "Knowledge Crowns the Work."From the Newmark Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin & Antique Co.s Auction Fifty-Five, December 1993, lot 197. Lot tag included.
