1879 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-19, Bronze, H.R. Linderman

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,460 MS67BN 08-19-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1879 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-19 in bronze features a portrait of Henry Richard Linderman, who served as Director of the Mint from 1867 to 1869 and again from 1873 to 1878. Linderman was a pivotal figure in American monetary history — he was instrumental in drafting the Coinage Act of 1873 and oversaw the Mint during the transition to the gold standard and the subsequent silver controversy. The choice to honor Linderman on the 1879 Assay Commission medal represents a notable departure from the series' established practice of featuring allegorical figures, classical scientists, or presidents. By placing the portrait of a recent Mint Director on the commission medal, the Mint recognized Linderman's contributions to the institution and to the broader monetary system whose integrity the commission was charged with verifying. Linderman's technical expertise in mining and metallurgy had brought a scientific rigor to Mint operations that complemented the Assay Commission's own testing mandate. His portrait on JK-AC-19 thus honors not just the man but the principle of scientific authority that he embodied. The bronze composition provided standard distribution of this tribute piece to commission members, many of whom would have worked with Linderman during his directorship.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-19 (1879) in bronze (AE). "H.R. Linderman" portrait. Notable as a Mint Director portrait on an Assay Commission medal.

Cross References

PCGS #512301; JK-AC-19; 1879 Assay Commission