1887 United States Assay Commission Medal. Bronzed Copper. 33 mm. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. JK AC-30a. Rarity-5. MS-64 (NGC). Splendid autumn-brown and pale olive patina blends nicely over both sides of this satin to modestly semi-reflective specimen. Sharply struck with solid Choice quality and strong eye appeal.The design of this issue is the same as that of its 1886 predecessor (JK AC-29), although the 1887 issue is from different dies. The obverse, of course, has a different date, but the differences between the reverse dies are more subtle. For the 1886 JK AC-29, the two lowest rays behind Justices head touch the top of the Philadelphia Mint building, while on the 1887 AC-30 they do not. The extraordinary offerings in this sale provide the advanced collector with the opportunity to acquire Choice examples of both issues, as well as a host of other highly desirable Assay Commission medals. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
