1898 United States Assay Commission Medal. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. JK AC-42. Rarity-5. Silver. AU-58 (NGC).33 mm. Steel-olive highlights mingle with dominant pewter gray on both sides of this sharp near-Mint example. The original matte-like finish is still readily appreciable, especially when the surfaces are examined with the aid of a loupe.<p>The reverse design of this issue, attributed to George T. Morgan, features a bust of Pallas on a pillar flanked by a skilled workman (symbolizing the coiners) and a woman in classical garb (symbolizing Justice checking the accuracy of the work). Mint records do not seem to indicate how many silver medals were struck for the 1898 Assay Commission members, but given that 30 silver pieces were produced in 1897 and 40 silver impressions in 1899, the mintage for the 1898 JK AC-42 in this composition is probably within that range.From our sale of the Larry Baber Collection, March 2021 Auction, lot 1175.
