1880 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-20, Silver, Rutherford B. Hayes

Coin Details

Auction Record

$690 MS62PL 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1880 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-20 in silver is a precious-metal presentation striking of the primary Rutherford B. Hayes portrait design. The silver composition elevates the presidential portrait to a level of formality befitting the highest office in the land, creating a medal that honors both the President depicted and the commission members who received it. President Hayes's relationship with the Assay Commission was shaped by the silver controversy. His vetoed opposition to the Bland-Allison Act meant that the coins being tested by the 1880 commission included the newly mandated Morgan silver dollars — coins whose very existence Hayes had tried to prevent. The irony of Hayes's portrait appearing on a medal given to those testing silver dollars produced under a law he opposed adds a layer of political subtext to this numismatic object. Silver strikings of the JK-AC-20 Hayes portrait were produced in limited numbers for presentation to distinguished recipients. The combination of presidential portraiture and precious-metal composition makes this piece one of the more desirable entries in the early presidential-era Assay Commission series, particularly given the historical significance of the Hayes presidency to American monetary policy.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-20 (1880) in silver. "Rutherford B. Hayes" portrait. Silver presentation strikings from this year are scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #512422; JK-AC-20; 1880 Assay Commission