1871 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-10, Bronze, Archimedes

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960 SP65BN 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1871 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-10 in bronze features Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist, in a design that highlights the scientific foundations of the assay process. Archimedes was credited with discovering the principle of water displacement that could be used to determine the purity of gold — according to legend, he famously shouted "Eureka!" upon realizing he could test whether King Hiero's crown was pure gold by measuring its displacement in water. This connection to the fundamental science of metals testing made Archimedes an ideal subject for the Assay Commission medal. JK-AC-10 is distinguished from JK-AC-9, also dated 1871, by the absence of an inscription identifying the Mint Director. The "No Inscription" variant indicates this version was intended as a more general commemorative piece, while JK-AC-9 with its identification of J. Pollock (Director James Pollock) served as the more specifically documentary issue. The Archimedes design would prove to be one of the most popular and frequently revisited themes in the Assay Commission medal series, appearing in various interpretations across multiple years in the 1870s. The figure of the ancient scientist engaged in metallic analysis provided a timeless visual metaphor for the commission's own annual exercise in verifying the purity and weight of American coinage.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-10 (1871) in bronze (AE). "Archimedes, No Inscription" variant. One of two Archimedes designs produced for 1871.

Cross References

PCGS #512272; JK-AC-10; 1871 Assay Commission