1871 United States Assay Commission Medal. By William Barber. JK AC-10. Rarity-5. Without Directors Name. Silver. Unc Details--Cleaned (NGC).33 mm. Pale pink retoning around the peripheries and razor sharp striking detail. There is also plenty of original satin to modestly semi-prooflike luster remaining, the cleaning light and not all that distracting. A popular design in the Assay Commission medal series, the obverse shows a seated representation of Archimedes as the central element, indicative of the interest of both Mint Director James Pollock and Chief Engraver William Barber in the classical period of antiquity. JK AC-10 was probably the first variety prepared for the year, the authors of the Julian-Keusch reference speculating that it was rejected by Pollock because the clouds within the doorway framing Archimedes resulted in a somewhat cluttered appearance.From the Larry Baber Collection.
