1872 United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-11b. Rarity-6. Specimen-64 BN (PCGS). Boldly reflective olive-copper surfaces show areas of mint orange, especially on the reverse. Fully struck with pretty undertones of cobalt blue and champagne-pink.Since Chief Engraver William Barber was preoccupied with trade dollar patterns, the Mint recycled the obverse design of the 1870 issue for the 1872 Assay Commission medal. The dies are different, however, suggesting that the 1870 obverse in the ensuing two years, requiring a replacement. The Julian-Keusch reference on this series states that 25 silver medals were delivered in February 1872 for distribution to the Commission members, but it is silent regarding the number of copper and aluminum impressions made. Our (Stacks) November 2008 sale of the Keusch Collection included only a silver medal for this issue, and the present example is actually the only copper specimen that we have handled in recent memory. An impressive provenance to Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, son of the designer William Barber (and his successor as chief engraver), enhances the desirability of this rare and significant near-Gem. From the Richard Jewell Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of the Collection of Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, January 2010 Americana Sale, lot 4837.
