| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
View Coin
| 1869 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-6 Aluminum EX Charles Barber |
United States
|
ALUMINUM AL 1869 W/STARS JK-AC-6 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION EX. CHARLES BARBER
|
NGC MEDAL MS 66 PL
|
1869 UNITED STATES ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL (Thirteen Stars Variety)
JK-AC-6.
Composition: Aluminum
Designer/Engraver: William Barber
Diameter: 33 mm
Rarity: R6 for all compositions (JK-AC-6 was struck in Copper, Silver, and Aluminum) but much rarer in Aluminum. In 1869 Aluminum was considered a precious metal and was more valuable than Gold.
Pedigree: CHARLES E. BARBER
A beautiful premium Gem, both sides are silky smooth in texture beneath a dusting of the lightest silvery tinting. Fully struck design elements contrast nicely with well mirrored fields. Accompanied by the original maroon leather, purple plush interior case. The case is fully functional with light to moderate exterior scuffing from normal handling. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case)
The short, yet bold die crack (as made) from the obverse rim to star 5 is the cause of this die's early demise and the Mint's adoption of the No Stars replacement (JK AC-5) for most of the Assay Commission medals produced in 1869. In fact, all known examples of JK AC-6 display this die break. While silver impressions of the 1869 AC-5 No Stars are the medals that were actually distributed to most commissioners in 1869, the Julian-Keusch reference suggests that some silver strikings of the earlier AC-6 pairing may have also have been used for this purpose. Aluminum strikings of both types, on the other hand, were prepared in small numbers expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors. The Stack's November 2008 sale of the Keusch Collection lacked an AC-6 in aluminum. The only other AC-6 aluminum specimen offered by Stack's Bowers, in recent years, was a medal from the Richard Jewell Collection that graded NGC MS-65 PL.
This specimen has the most significant provenance that any collector of U.S. Mint medals might wish. It was earlier from the personal collection and estate of long-lived Philadelphia Mint Engraver Charles Edward Barber (born in London, 1840, died Philadelphia 1917). Charles arrived in America with his father William Barber in 1852 and signed on as assistant engraver in 1869. He was appointed chief engraver on his father's death in 1879 and served in this post until his own demise in 1917. He designed the silver dime, quarter, and half dollar of 1892 to 1916 that bear his name, several early commemoratives, and innumerable pattern coin designs. Modern research has linked him to production of the famous 1913 Liberty Head nickel, which only emerged from the shadows upon his death. Among his designs for world coinage were the Hawaiian silver coins of King Kalakaua in 1883, the base silver Dominican coins of 1895 and the Cuban coinage of 1915. Charles Barber also created a remarkable roster of Mint medals. The present example, whose design is the work of his father, was bequeathed to Charles' second spouse, Caroline Gaston Barber, and descended in that branch of the family until 2009. Considering the Barber family as a unit, it was indeed a "one owner" medal until sold through Stack's New York Americana Sale in January 2010.
OBVERSE DESIGN
The obverse design features Columbia, in a long chiton, seated to the left with her hand resting on an American shield. A Liberty cap on a pole is behind. Thirteen Stars surround the figure. Die break at the fifth star (from lower left).
REVERSE DESIGN
Wreath, with inscription "LET US HAVE PEACE" on a scroll at top, enclosing inscription "ANNUAL ASSAY 1869". The "LET US HAVE PEACE" legend on the reverse is a reference to U.S. Grant, who had won the election of 1868 and was due to be inagurated president on March 4, 1869.
Provenance: From Stack's sale of the Collection of Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, January 2010 New York Americana Sale, lot 4834. Lot tag included.
Purchased in Stack's Bowers Spring 2023 Auction - Session 2 - Numismatic Americana & Early American Coins - Lot #2090.
NGC Population: 1/0 (3/21/2023)
Single Finest Graded at NGC
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1870 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-8 Copper |
United States
|
CU 1870 JK-AC-8 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 64 BN
|
1870 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL JK-AC-8 CU
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 33 mm
Engraver: William Barber
Rariety (all grades and metals): R-3
NGC Population in all grades (9/21/2018): 10
NGC Population in MS64 BN (9/21/2018): 5 (Population Higher 2)
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1890 United States Assay Commission JK-AC-33 |
United States
|
BRONZED-COPPER AR 1890 JK-AC-33 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION JK-AC-33 The Strong National Museum of Play
|
PCGS MS 66
|
1890 UNITED STATES ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL - JK AC-33
PCGS MS66
SPECIFICATIONS
Composition and finish: Bronzed Copper
Diameter: 33 mm
Rarity: R-4
ENGRAVER
Charles E. Barber (obverse) and George Morgan (reverse)
OBVERSE DESIGN
Bust to left with legends BENJAMIN HARRISON in the field and MINT OF THE UNITED STATES ANNUAL ASSAY 1890 around. Beaded border. The obverse bust is reduced from the regular presidential medal (PR-24) for Harrison.
REVERSE DESIGN
Robed woman in classical dress instructing youth in use of scales beneath legend LIBRA PROBAT OPUS [THE SCALES VERIFY THE WEIGHT (OF THE COINS) ]. Bust of Pallas to lower right in frame. Sprig of laurel in the exergue.. Beaded border.
PEDIGREE
The Strong National Museum of Play
AUCTION APPEARANCES OF THIS SPECIMEN
Stack's Bowers March 2015 Baltimore Auction, Lot # 5031
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1901 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-45 Silver |
United States
|
SILVER AR 1901 JK-AC-45 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 62
|
1901 United States Assay Commission Medal. Silver. 40 mm x 57 mm. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. JK AC-45a. Rarity-5. MS-62 (NGC).
Handsome silver gray surfaces with just a touch of cabinet friction to the highest elements of the design. This issue in the first in the Assay Commission medal series that was produced from the start in the sandblast style. The Mint produced 40 silver impressions during fiscal year 1901.
Provenance: From the Newmark Collection.
Stack’s Bowers May 2019 Baltimore Auction - U.S. Coins & Exonumia, Session 4, Lot #3087
NGC Population 2/2
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1905 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-49 Silver |
United States
|
SILVER AR 1905 JK-AC-49 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 64
|
1905 U.S. Assay Commission Medal (JK AC-49 AR) NGC MS-64 (NGC Cert # 4344848-001).
Silver. 55.4 mm x 39.1 mm plaque. 736.6 grains.
Designer and Engraver: George T. Morgan.
Mintage: 40 Silver Medals minted 1/23/1905
Rarity on Sheldon Scale:R5
NGC Population: 1/0
PCGS Population: 1/0
Combined NGC PCGS Population (all grades): 2 NGC MS63, 1 NGC MS64, 1 PCGS SP64
The Silver plaques struck for the U.S. Assay Commission during the administration of president Theodore Roosevelt are among the most sought after U.S. Assay Commission medals. A very limited number of Assay Commission medals were struck each year for presentation to Assay Commission members and high level Mint and Treasury officials. Only a small percentage of the original mintage exist today outside of museums and the estates of the original recipients.
The Silver plaques struck from 1903 - 1908 typically achieve lower technical scores when certified than the traditional circular Assay Commission medals struck in other years and none have achieved a grade from either NGC or PCGS higher than MS64.
This TOP POP specimen is an engaging piece with flashes of iridescent tawny gold, rose and blue toning to otherwise deep antique silver surfaces.
Pedigree of this specimen:
Stack's Americana Sale of January 2009, lot 5602.
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1909 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-53 Bronze |
United States
|
AE 1909 JK-AC-53 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
PCGS MS 65
|
1909 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL JK-AC-53 Bronze
Composition: Bronze
Size: 40 x 57 mm (Plaque)
Engraver: George Morgan
Rarity (in all grades): R3
NGC Population All Grades: 4 (9/22/2018)
NGC Population MS65: 0/3 (9/22/2018)
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1910 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-54 |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1910 JK-AC-54 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 67
|
U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL
1910 JK-AC-54 AE
NGC MS67
SPECIFICATIONS
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 45 mm
Mintage: 50
Rarity: R-5
NGC Population in MS67: 1 with none graded higher (4/01/2021)
ENGRAVER
Charles E. Barber (obverse) and George Morgan (reverse)
OBVERSE DESIGN
Bust to right with legend 'WILLIAM H TAFT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES'. Behind neck: 'BARBER'.
REVERSE DESIGN
The reverse die is done in the new art noveau style which became popular in the early 20th century. Two genii seated vis-a-vis, and holding between them a tablet surmounted by an eagle; date of 1910 on the tablet. Below, a scroll inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM'. Legend 'MINT OF THE UNITED STATES ANNUAL ASSAY'. Signed 'MORGAN' below scroll.
Beautiful sandy-gold surfaces are nicely impressed and border on pristine. The technical quality is solid and the eye appeal is strong for this impressive Suberb Gem. Government records indicate that 50 bronze examples of this type were produced on January 26, 1910.
Provenance: Larry Barber Collection
Auction History: Stacks Bowers March 2021 Auction - Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins Part 1 - Lot #1185
True View Image
Scratch Resistant Holder
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1919 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-63 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1919 JK-AC-63 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION ""JOHN W. HECK"" ON EDGE
|
NGC MS 64
|
1919 Assay Commission Medal. Bronze. 51 mm. By George T. Morgan and John R. Sinnock. JK AC-63. Rarity-5. Edge Incuse JOHN W. HECK. MS-64 (NGC).
Obv: bust left of President Woodrow Wilson; Rev: caped god of commerce Mercury, wearing winged Petasos, ancient coin of Cnidus or Leontini at left. This handsome example displays subtle blue-gray peripheral highlights on dominant antique golden-bronze surfaces. Closer inspection reveals remnants of original rose-orange luster in the protected areas around and within Wilson's portrait. A few faint, well scattered carbon spots are all that seem to preclude a full Gem rating.
The original recipient of this medal, John W. Heck of Jersey City, New Jersey, was appointed to the 1919 Assay Commission by President Woodrow Wilson. On the commission, Heck served on the Committee on Weighing.
NGC Population: 2/0 (4/20/2019)
PCGS Population: 0/1
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/1
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1920 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-64 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1920 JK-AC-64 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 66
|
1920 Assay Commission Medal. Bronze. 51 mm. By George T. Morgan. JK AC-64. Rarity-5. MS-66 (NGC).
An outstanding example of the type, finer than the specimen offered as lot 5313 in Stack's November 2008 sale of the Ernest E. Keusch Collection of United States Assay Medals, 1860-1977. Antique golden-bronze patina adorns surfaces that are smooth and satiny. Fully deserving of the premium Gem grade from NGC.
The 1920 Assay Commission medal features the same obverse as the 1919 medal, but the reverse shows armored Liberty seated with sword reversed, holding an olive branch. With the reverse inscriptions VICTORY and PEACE, the 1920 Assay Commission medal is the series' equivalent of the Peace silver dollar of 1921 to 1935, which was also produced in commemoration of the return of peace after the end of World War I. Thirty bronze examples of this medal were produced on February 17, 1920, but so popular was the reverse design among contemporary Americans that the Mint struck an additional 40 or 50 pieces later in the year.
By far the finer of the two examples of the type currently (4/1/2016) certified by NGC (the other example is an MS-62).
NGC Population: 1/0
PCGS Population: 0/0
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/0
SINGLE FINEST CERTIFIED EXAMPLE OF JK-AC-64
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1921 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-65 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1921 JK-AC-65 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MR.JUDSON BRENNER ON EDGE
|
NGC MS 66
|
1921 Assay Commission Medal. Bronze. 51 mm. By George T. Morgan. JK-AC-65. Rarity-5. MS 66 (NGC).
Edge inscribed to recipient, MR. JUDSON BRENNER. Even golden-brown patina provides strong eye appeal. This is the last medallic appearance of Woodrow Wilson, now incapacitated by his stroke of September 25, 1919. Warren G. Harding was not yet in office and Wilson's second wife, Edith Galt Wilson, was in effect standing-in for the disabled president when the Mint made the decision to recycle her husband's bust from the 1920 medal. Brenner, who at one time served as president of the American Numismatic Association, was one of the leading figures in the hobby in the early 20th century.
The finer of the two examples of the type currently (4/1/2016) certified by NGC (the other example is an MS-65).
NGC Population: 1/0
PCGS Population: 0/0
Combined NGC/PCGS Population (4/1/2016): 1/0
SINGLE FINEST CERTIFIED EXAMPLE OF JK-AC-65
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1922 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-66 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1922 JK-AC-66 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION E: Hon. S.P. Gilbert
|
NGC MS 65
|
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 51 mm
Engraver: George Morgan
NGC Population: 1/0 (3/31/2019)
PCGS Population: 1/0 (3/31/2019)
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 2/0 (3/31/2019)
Rarity: R-4
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1931 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-75 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1931 JK-AC-75 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 65
|
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 51 mm
Engraver: John R. Sinnock (obverse) and Adam Pietz (reverse)
NGC Population: 1/0
PCGS Population: 0/0
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/0
Single finest certified example at any grading service
Rarity: R3
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1935 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-80 Bronze |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1935 JK-AC-80 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION ""CLARENCE LOWE"" ON EDGE
|
NGC MS 66
|
1935 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL JK-AC-80 - FINEST CERTIFIED SPECIMEN
Pedigree: Clarence H. Lowe (Presidential appointee to 1935 U.S. Assay Commission)
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 50.8 mm
Designer and engraver: John Ray Sinnock
OBVERSE: In the field, the draped bust of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in high relief, facing to the right. The bust is encircled by the inscription: FRANKLIN . DELANO . ROOSEVELT . PRESIDENT . OF . THE . UNITED . STATES. Under the truncation, in small letters: . JR . SINNOCK . F . AD VIVUM . MCMXXXXIV. (J.R. Sinnock, made from life 1934).
REVERSE: In the field, a woman* is seated by a stand. She faces left and is weighing coins. In the background above her are a scroll and the seal of the Treasury Department. To the right is a modern coining press. Around the scene, the following inscription: MELTING - REFINING . COINING ASSAYING . ENGRAVING. Exergue: ANNUAL ASSAY / PHILADELPHIA / 1935. Far to the right on the platform, in small letters: JRS. * It is generally believed that Nellie Taylor Ross, Director of the Mint from 1933 to 1953, posed for the reverse.
EDGE: Clarence Lowe engraved on edge. Clarence H. Lowe, of New York, N,Y., was a presidential appointee to the 1935 U.S. Assay Commission. It was the practice of the U.S. Mint to engrave the name of each Assay Commissioner on the edge of their Assay Commission Medal. In 1935 fifteen Assay Commission medals were engraved and presented to the members of the commission.
The 1935 ASSAY COMISSION
The 1935 U.S. Assay Commission met on Wednesday February 13, 1935. It consisted of fifteen Commissioners (three Ex-Official Members, seven presidential appointments, and five representatives from the United States Mint in Philadelphia. Notable members of the 1935 Assay Commission included Nellie Taylor Ross, Director of the Mint from 1933 - 1953 (Chairman of the Assay Commission); Edward H. Dressel, Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint from 1935 - 1952 (Treasurer of the Assay Commission); and John Ray Sinnock, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1925 - 1947 (the designer and engraver of the 1935 Assay Commission Medal). Chief Engraver Sinnock is best known as the designer of the Roosevelt Dime, and Franklin Half Dollar.
THIS SPECIMEN
This handsome specimen is the single finest certified example of the rare 1935 U.S. Assay Commission Medal and the only certified example (in any grade) pedigreed to one of the Assay Commission members. Julian and Keusch list the 1935 U.S. Assay Commission Medal as R5 (estimated number of specimens 31 - 75) on the Sheldon scale of rarity. As of 1/23/2016 only two other 1935 U.S. Assay Commission medals have been certified; one at PCGS SP64, and one at NGC MS62.
NGC Population: 1/0
PCGS Population: 0/0
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/0
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1945 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-90 AE EX Hon. Nellie Tayloe Ross |
United States
|
BRONZE AE 1945 JK-AC-90 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION HON. NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS
|
NGC MS 66
|
1945 UNITED STATES ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL
JK-AC-90
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 76 mm
Designer: Augustin Dupre
Obverse Engraver: John R. Sinnock
Reverse Engraver: William Barber
Edge Incuse: HON. NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS
Rarity: R-7
Pedigree: HON. NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS (Director of the U.S. Mint)
OBVERSE DESIGN
The obverse was prepared by John R. Sinnock using the head from the famous Libertas american medal engraved for Benjamin Franklin by Augustin Dupre in Paris shortly after 1783. It symbolized the victory of the colonists over Great Britain in the revolutionary War. Here it may be taken as an omen of victory in WWll. The obverse features a liberty head with flowing hair. Behind her head is a liberty cap on a pole. Inscriptions are "ANNUAL ASSAY COMMISSION UNITED STATES MINT PHILADELPHIA" around the head of liberty and "1945" below.
REVERSE DESIGN
The reverse design features the Great Seal of the United States. The central design feature is an American Eagle with out-stretched wings. Above the Eagle is a sunburst with 13 stars. In the eagle's beak is a scroll with the inscription "EPLURIBUS UNUM". An American Shield is over the Eaglr's chest. The Eagle is holding an olive branch in her right talon and a bundle of arrows in her left. Inscriptions are: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ". This design was origionally engraved by Augustin Dupre in Paris for the United States Diplomatic Medal ordered by President Thomas Jefferson. The reverse is from the copy die (CM-15) of the Diplomatic Medal prepared by William Barber in 1876. Lead proofs had been obtained by Professor Jules Marcon in Paris from the son of Dupre and were loaned to the Mint in 1876 as a guide for the new dies.
NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS (November 29, 1876 – December 19, 1977) was the first woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state, and the first female director of the United States Mint. She was the governor of Wyoming from 1925 to 1927. and served as the 28th the Director of the United States Mint from 1933 to 1953. Nellie Tayloe Ross was the Chairman of the 1945 United States Assay Commission. She also served as the Chairman of the 1935, 1936, 1940, and 1944 Assay Comissions and was an Ex-Officio member of the 1934, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, and 1953 Assay Commissions.
This Visually Stunning 1945 Assay Commission Medal has golden-bronze patina blankets and is exceptionally well preserved and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.
The 1945 is certainly one of the most attractive and eagerly sought entries in the Assay Commission series. The obverse features the classic portrait from the Libertas Americana medal engraved by Augustin Dupre in Paris during the 1780s at the request of Benjamin Franklin. The reverse design is an adaptation of Dupre's Diplomatic medal, also prepared in Paris, although in that case by order of Thomas Jefferson. An elusive issue, an example of JK AC-90 was not included in Stack's November 2008 sale of the fabulous Ernest E. Keusch Collection of United States Assay Medals.
Provenance: Stack's Bowers Baltimore Auction of March 2016, lot 12052.
Purchased in Stack's Bowers Spring 2023 Auction - Session 2 - Numismatic Americana & Early American Coins - Lot #2179.
NGC Population: 1/0 (3/21/2023)
Single finest graded at NGC
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1967 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-111 Bronze |
United States
|
AE 1967 JK-AC-111 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION Ex. Eric P. Newman
|
NGC MS 67
|
1967 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL JK-AC-111
Pedigree: Eric P. Newmam (Chairman of the 1967 U.S. Assay Commission)
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 57 mm
Engraver: Frank Gasparro (obverse) and Michael Iacocca (reverse).
NGC Population: 1/0 (3/31/2019)
PCGS Population: 0/0 (3/31/2019)
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/0 (3/31/2019)
Rarity: R-7
SINGLE FINEST CERTIFIED SPECIMEN
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1974 United States Assay Commission Medal, JK-AC-118 Pewter |
United States
|
PEWTER 1974 JK-AC-118 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 67
|
1974 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL, JK-AC-118 PEWTER. 57mm
Rarity - 7
Combined NGC/PCGS Population: 1/0 (NONE GRADED FINER AT EITHER NGC or PCGS)
This lovely Superb Gem is the single finest certified examples of this rare Assay Commission medal. The only other certified example of this date in any grade is a SP64 specimen certified by PCGS.
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1976 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-120 PEWTER |
United States
|
PEWTER 1976 JK-AC-120 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION FRANK GASPARRO ENGRAVED Ex. Betty Higby
|
NGC MS 67
|
1976 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION MEDAL, JK-AC-120 PEWTER
NGC MS67
FRANK GASPARRO ENGRAVED
EX. BETTY HIGBY, SUPERINDENDENT OF THE DENVER MINT
This important medal was presented to The Honorable Betty Higby, superintendent of the Denver Mint at the 1976 Bicentennial Assay Commission Meeting. This medal has splendid antique-gray surfaces, the obverse bearing the engraved signature of Frank Gasparro. Related Ephemera include the original blue presentation case, with Higby's business card bearing the autograph of Gasparro, and with her name card, and another card signed by Gasparro, relating to the reverse design of Washington Crossing the Delaware. The 1976 Assay Commission members received an additional souvenir of their experience. A small wood shadow box contains pieces from a Tiffany Mosaic at the Mint, and the shadow box is also included.
AUCTION HISTORY OF THIS SPECIMEN:
Presidential Coin & Antique (6/1994), lot 308;
Bowers and Merena (12/2003), lot 3559;
Heritage Signature U.S. Coin Auction #1298, 2019 ANA World's Fair of Money, Session 3, Friday August 16, 2019, Lot #4444
NGC Population: 2/0
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1977 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-121 |
United States
|
PEWTER 1977 JK-AC-121 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION Ex. Mary Brooks
|
NGC MS 65
|
1977 U.S. Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-121 PEWTER
Ex: U.S. Mint Director Mary Brooks
NGC MS65
NGC Certification Number: 6525199-002
"This medal is a footnote to the 179-year history of the Assay Commission. Public participation in this group had been abolished by President Carter before the 1977 deliberations. Originals were reportedly distributed by President Carter himself, each medal housed in a plush case, as here. (Examples sold to the public were packaged in sealed plastic envelopes and the Mint's standard cardboard medal boxes.) This medal was presented to Mary Brooks, 31st Director of the Mint, and the case is in excellent condition with no blemishes of note. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case)"
OBVERSE
Portrait of Martha Washington facing right with legend "ANNUAL ASSAY COMMISSION" above. Flanking inscriptions are "1977" and "MARTHA WASHINGTON". On the truncation "E GROVE " and "P FOWLER". The obverse portrait is from the pattern half dollar struck in the early 1960s to test metallic replacements for silver.
REVERSE
View of the first Mint with "FIRST UNITED STATES MINT" and "1792" above and "PHILADELPHIA" below. "MP" (Matthew Peloso) at lower left and "F GASPARRO" at lower right.
SIZE
76 mm x 60 mm (oval)
COMPOSITION
Pewter
ENGRAVER
Phillip Fowler and Edward Grove (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse).
Purchased in Stack's Bowers Seprember 2023 Collectors Choice Online Auction - Tokens & Medals, Lot # 70115
RARITY
R-2
NGC Population: 3/9 (September 27, 2023)
|
|
|
View Coin
| 1977 United States Assay Commission Medal JK-AC-121 |
United States
|
PEWTER 1977 JK-AC-121 U.S. ASSAY COMMISSION
|
NGC MS 64
|
1977 U.S. Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-121 PEWTER
OBVERSE
Portrait of Martha Washington facing right with legend "ANNUAL ASSAY COMMISSION" above. Flanking inscriptions are "1977" and "MARTHA WASHINGTON". On the truncation "E GROVE " and "P FOWLER". The obverse portrait is from the pattern half dollar struck in the early 1960s to test metallic replacements for silver.
REVERSE
View of the first Mint with "FIRST UNITED STATES MINT" and "1792" above and "PHILADELPHIA" below. "MP" (Matthew Peloso) at lower left and "F GASPARRO" at lower right.
SIZE
76 mm x 60 mm (oval)
COMPOSITION
Pewter
ENGRAVER
Phillip Fowler and Edward Grove (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse).
This medal was sold to the public for a short time after President Carter abolished the public part of the annual Assay Commission in early 1977. Public sales were in the standard Mint medal box while the origionals were in a plush case. It is rumored that the President gave the originals to his political friends.
RARITY
R-2
NGC Population: 3/9 (February 7, 2022)
|
|