1877 United States Assay Commission Medal. By William Barber. JK AC-16. Rarity-5. Archimedes. Bronzed Copper. MS-64 BN (NGC).33 mm. Deep, rich mahogany brown patina blankets both sides and provides outstanding eye appeal. A smooth and satiny example that would accept nothing less than a Choice Uncirculated grade. This type features the same basic obverse design as the 1871, 1873, 1874 and 1875 Assay Commission medals, with Archimedes framed in a classical-style doorway. On this particular die, there are no clouds within the doorway and the Mint directors name is not present below in exergue. JK AC-16 is the type that the Mint prepared for distribution to the members of the 1877 Assay Commission; AC-17 with George Washingtons portrait on the obverse was made strictly for contemporary collectors. According to fiscal accounts for the year, the Philadelphia Mint produced 38 examples of AC-16, all in copper. We have handled a number of examples over the last dozen or so years, and this is one of the nicest.From the Larry Baber Collection. Earlier ex Presidential Coin and Antique Co., Inc.s Auction Seventy-Seven, June 2007, lot 491. Lot tag included.