1880 United States Assay Commission Medal. By George T. Morgan and Charles E. Barber. JK AC-20. Rarity-5. Copper. Fine Details--Environmental Damage (NGC).33 mm. This is the copper variant of JK AC-20, and examples in this format were produced for distribution to collectors. As such, the mintage in this composition is unknown. The reverse design by Charles E. Barber exhibits a kneeling female lighting a lamp of knowledge with the inscription EFFICACI DO MANUS SCIENTIAE, "I Give My Hand to Useful Knowledge." Exceptionally well executed, the Julian-Keusch reference on Assay Commission medals suggests that this design may be Barbers opus in his bid to succeed his father William as chief engraver, a position he was appointed to in late January 1880.
