Owner Comments:
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.