1877 United States Assay Commission Medal. By William Barber. JK AC-16. Rarity-5. Archimedes. Copper. MS-66 BN (NGC).33 mm. Deep reflective brown surfaces.<p>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 our (Stacks) Minot Collection sale, May 2008, lot 583. Lot tag included.
