1891 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 33 mm. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. JK AC-34a. Rarity-5. MS-62 (NGC). Pretty iridescent champagne-apricot toning drifts toward the borders on both sides of this satiny example. Wispy hairlines and a touch of glossiness are noted, explaining the MS-62 grade assigned by NGC.The obverse portrait used on the 1891 Assay Commission medal is that of Treasury Secretary William Windom. Since Windom died on January 29, 1891 and the commissioners received their medals in February of that year, the decision to use his portrait on this medal was obviously a hasty one that required a quick turnaround from Engraver Charles E. Barber. The 1914 Mint catalog credits the reverse design to George T. Morgan, and it depicts a man conducting an assay beneath a Latin legend that translates as "Knowledge Crowns the Work" (SCIENTIA CORONAT OPUS). From the Richard Jewell Collection.
