1871 United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-9b. Rarity-5. With Directors Name. MS-65 BN (NGC). Iridescent undertones of champagne-apricot and powder blue backlight handsome antique copper patina on both sides of this wonderfully original Gem. Sharply struck with modest field to device contrast evident under a light.It appears that 24 or 25 of these were struck in silver, the regular issue distributed to the Commission members in 1871. An unknown number in copper and aluminum were also produced, undoubtedly for distribution to contemporary collectors. Scarce, this is only the third example of JK AC-9 in copper that we have brought to auction in the last dozen or so years. From the Richard Jewell Collection. Earlier from Heritages Long Beach Medals and Tokens Auction of September 2007, lot 81065. Lot tag included.
