1877 United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By William Barber. JK AC-16a. Rarity-5. Archimedes. MS-67 BN (NGC). Brilliant fields support softly frosted design elements on both sides of this gorgeous Superb Gem. The appearance is largely one of warm medium brown patina, although there are very attractive undertones of iridescent pink, apricot, lilac and powder blue. Fully struck with great eye appeal.This type features the same basic obverse design as the 1871, 1873, 1874 and 1875 Assay Commission medals, with Archimedes framed in a classical-style doorway. On this particular die, there are no clouds within the doorway and the Mint directors name is not present below in exergue. JK AC-16 is the type that the Mint prepared for distribution to the members of the 1877 Assay Commission; AC-17 with George Washingtons portrait on the obverse was made strictly for contemporary collectors. According to fiscal accounts for the year, the Philadelphia Mint produced 38 examples of AC-16, all in copper. We have handled a number of examples over the last dozen or so years, but this is clearly the finest. From the Richard Jewell Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the David W. Dreyfuss Collection, April 1986, lot 5021; Heritages Long Beach Signature Auction of September 2006, lot 6577. Heritage lot tag included.
