1867 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-3, Silver, Longacre Pattern

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,840 SP65 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1867 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-3 in silver represents a precious-metal striking of the final Longacre pattern design. Silver strikings of Assay Commission medals were produced in limited numbers, typically reserved for presentation to senior officials, distinguished commission members, or the Mint Cabinet collection. The AR (argentum) designation indicates this piece was struck in .900 fine silver, matching the standard used for contemporary federal silver coinage. Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre's design for JK-AC-3 achieves its fullest expression in silver, where the metal's reflective qualities and capacity for capturing fine detail enhance the artistic impact of the allegorical imagery. The softness of silver compared to bronze also allowed for sharper initial strikes, preserving the subtleties of Longacre's engraving work with greater fidelity. Silver Assay Commission medals occupy a distinctive niche in American numismatics as presentation pieces that bridge the gap between regular-issue bronze medals and the rare gold strikings occasionally produced for exceptional circumstances. The 1867 silver JK-AC-3 serves as both a functional recognition of commission service and a showcase of the Chief Engraver's artistry in a noble metal appropriate to the gravity of the commission's constitutional mandate.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-3 (1867) in silver (AR). Silver strikings were produced in very limited quantities for presentation purposes, making them considerably scarcer than the standard bronze version.

Cross References

PCGS #518437; JK-AC-3; 1867 Assay Commission