1884 United States Assay Commission Medal. By George T. Morgan. JK AC-27b. Rarity-5. Bronzed Copper. Specimen-66 BN (PCGS).33 mm. A simply outstanding example of the issue, this otherwise satiny piece reveals modest semi-reflective tendencies in the fields as the medal dips into a light. Bathed in rich crimson and deep autumn-brown patina, the surfaces are fully struck, expertly preserved and possessed of exceptional eye appeal.<p>The Assay Commission medals of 1883 to 1885 share the same design, differing only in the date at the lower right obverse border. The Julian-Keusch reference on this series does not provide a mintage for the 1884 medal in copper, although it does suggest that bronzed copper specimens, as here, are restrikes. Some copper impressions have been silver-plated, including the Keusch Collection specimen offered as lot 5262 in our (Stacks) November 2008 sale. Per the February 20, 1884, letter from Superintendent Snowden to Mint Director Burchard, only one silver medal was struck from these dies, although the records for that year make no mention of this metallic composition.
