1876 United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-15b, Musante GW-869, Baker-347. Rarity-5. MS-67 BN (NGC). Beautiful deep mahogany-brown surfaces are hard, satiny and virtually pristine. A fully struck, expertly preserved example of this eagerly sought issue.The Julian-Keusch reference on Assay Commission medals reports that Mint Director Henry R. Linderman suggested modifying the reverse of the trade dollar in 1876 to reflect the United States centennial celebration that year. His suggestion was blocked by Philadelphia Mint Superintendent James Pollock, who pointed out that this would require an act of Congress. Instead, Lindermans idea found expression on the reverse of the 1876 Assay Commission medal, with its legend YEAR ONE HUNDRED / OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE around the border, circular laurel wreath enclosing the inscription 1776 / ANNUAL / ASSAY / 1876 in the center. With the portrait of our nations first president on the obverse this, then, is a triply sought-after medal honoring the Assay Commission, Washington and the United States Centennial.This lot includes the original book-type sliding case, Extremely Fine to As New with only a single mentionable scuff on the rear edge of the jacket, collector sticker printed ANNUAL ASSAY 1876 on the "spine" of the "book." (Total: 1 medal; 1 case) From the Richard Jewell Collection. Collector tag with attribution notation included.
