1881 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-24a, Silver, Rutherford B. Hayes

Coin Details

Description

The 1881 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-24a in silver is a presentation striking of the Hayes portrait design that bridges the outgoing and incoming presidential administrations. The silver composition distinguishes this as a premium piece intended for senior officials, struck during the brief period when Hayes was completing his term and Garfield was preparing to assume the presidency. The silver JK-AC-24a holds particular numismatic interest as one of the final medals bearing a Hayes portrait, a subject that had appeared on Assay Commission medals since 1880. Hayes's single-term presidency and his principled stand on the silver question made him a figure of respect among sound-money advocates, and his portrait on these silver medals carries the authority of a President who had staked his political capital on monetary policy. This presentation piece represents the silver-standard level of the Assay Commission medal program under Charles Barber's early tenure. The younger Barber's engraving of the Hayes portrait in silver demonstrates his facility with precious-metal striking and his ability to maintain the quality standards established by his father while developing his own artistic vocabulary for presidential portraiture.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-24a (1881) in silver (AR). "Rutherford B. Hayes" design. Silver presentation strikings are scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #518432; JK-AC-24a; 1881 Assay Commission