1870 United States Assay Commission Medal. By William Barber. JK AC-8. Rarity-3. Copper. MS-64 BN (NGC).33 mm. Rich antique copper-brown patina blankets satiny surfaces on both sides of this smartly impressed and well preserved example. The 1870 JK AC-8 is the most available of all 19th century Assay Commission medals with the vast majority of survivors in copper, as here. Among others in recent years, we (Stacks) sold four (!) copper impressions in our November 2008 Keusch Collection sale, and two additional specimens from the Collection of Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber in our January 2010 New York Americana Sale.W.E. Woodwards 69th Sale, October 1884, included a humorous description of this medal:"A conglomerate design apparently intended to represent an alchemist surrounded by implements of the art. It suggests, however, Justice arrayed as a cook, brewing a cup of tea for a dog that seems patiently waiting while watching a snake that is making a determined effort to commit suicide by getting inside himself. Below this beautiful picture the name of Pollock is conspicuous..."</em>In actuality, the obverse design exhibits Moneta standing holding scales, Ouroboros (serpent of eternity) with watchdog, furnace and assay implements. Infinitesimal W.B. F./ J. POLLOCK DIRECTOR below.From the Larry Baber Collection.
