1873 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-12a. Rarity-5. Specimen-63 (PCGS). Attractively toned in iridescent pinkish-silver and cobalt blue, this specimen is lovely and suggestive of an even higher grade. The well mirrored fields support fully impressed, satin to softly frosted design elements.The obverse of this issue exhibits a portrait of Archimedes of Syracuse, the famous Ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer. The use of his portrait illustrates the interest of Mint Director James Pollock and Chief Engraver William Barber in the classical period of antiquity. The reverse design features a funereal device -- a catafalque -- in honor of Jacob Eckfeldt, who passed away on August 9, 1872 during his 41st year of service to the Philadelphia Mint. Due to his long tenure and the connection that the Eckfeldt family enjoyed in Mint circles, the Julian-Keusch reference states that "upwards of fifty (or even more)" of the 1873 Assay Commission medals were produced in the various metallic compositions, many of which were distributed beyond the regular Assay Commission members. While our (Stacks) November 2008 sale of the Ernest E. Keusch Collection of United States Assay Medals included two bronzed copper and one aluminum examples of this issue, it did not include a silver impression, as here. Clearly this is a significant offering. This lot includes the original leather case that housed this medal right up until its certification by PCGS in preparation for this sale. The case grades Extremely Fine overall, the lid and base with light scuffing that is most prevalent along the edges, minor spot near one edge of the lid. The plush fitted insert for the medal is in excellent condition, as is the interior of the case apart from a few minor scuffs on the bottom. (Total: 2 items) From the Richard Jewell Collection.
