1880 Pattern United States Assay Commission Medal. Copper. 33 mm. By George T. Morgan. JK AC-22b. Rarity-6. Specimen-66 BN (PCGS). An otherwise satiny Gem, this warmly patinated copper-rose example reveals modest semi-reflectivity in the obverse field. It is smartly impressed with virtually pristine surfaces and abundant eye appeal.An unadopted pattern for the Assay Commission medal of 1880, this type appears to have been George T. Morgans entry in the competition for the position of chief engraver. The post went to Charles E. Barber at that time, however, with Morgan appointed assistant engraver on February 2, 1880. Only upon Barbers death in 1917 would Morgan advance to the top position, which he held until his death in January 1925. Rare, as this is the first specimen that we have offered since the Keusch Collection specimen appeared as lot 5257 in our (Stacks) November 2008 sale. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
