1867 United States Assay Commission Medal. By James Barton Longacre. JK AC-3. Rarity-5. Silver. MS-62 (NGC).33 mm. Richly toned on both sides in blended steel and olive-gray. The strike is razor sharp throughout Close inspection with a loupe is required to discern a few grade-defining carbon flecks and handling marks.<p>William Millwards replacement of James Pollock as Mint Director in the fall of 1866 may have provided the impetus for resumption of the Assay Commission medal series the following year. The Julian-Keusch reference speculates that Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre may have found Millward more receptive to these medals than his predecessor. The designs of the 1861 and 1867 issues are identical, except of course for the date within the wreath on the reverse. The obverse represents the final use of Longacres Liberty Head portrait from his 1859 pattern half dollars in the Assay Commission medal series. The first 12 medals of this issue were delivered in February of 1867, presumably in silver. Survivors in this metal are highly elusive, and this is only the fourth silver impression of JK AC-3 that we have handled since our (Stacks) November 2008 offering of the Keusch Collection.From Heritages Long Beach Tokens & Medals Signature Auction of September 2007, lot 81064. Lot tag included.
