1875 United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-14a. Rarity-5. Specimen-64 BN (PCGS). Lovely antique mahogany-brown patina is seen on both sides of this satiny, overall smooth specimen. A few light scuffs in the central reverse field are the only impediments to a full Gem rating. Sharply struck and delightful.The history of this issue is shrouded in mystery. The Julian-Keusch reference mentions a single official notation for the 1875 Assay Commission medal that reports Director Henry R. Linderman receiving two copper impressions for the Mint Cabinet on March 2 of that year. This is the only metallic composition known for the issue. This piece and the Keusch Collection specimen that we (Stacks) handled in November 2008 are the only two examples of JK AC-14 to appear in our auctions in recent years. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
