1870 United States Assay Commission Medal. By William Barber. JK AC-8. Rarity-3. Copper. MS-66 BN (NGC).33 mm. Rich antique mahogany-brown patina blankets satiny surfaces on both sides of this smartly impressed and expertly 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.<p>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.<p>
