1888 United States Assay Commission Medal. By Charles E. Barber. JK AC-31. Rarity-6. Copper. MS-65 BN (NGC).76 mm. Reflective reddish-mahogany in finish with a few tiny carbon spots interrupting otherwise smooth and virtually untroubled surfaces. Notable as the first of the large format Assay Commission medals, the 1888 JK AC-31 features Charles E. Barbers dramatic bust from the regular Presidential Series medal coupled with an adaptation of the reverse used for Mint Director Horatio Burchards medal. The mintage in copper appears to have been 30 pieces, for that is the number of cases that the Mint acquired to house examples.From our Baltimore Auction of March 2016, lot 12035. Lot tag included.
