1882 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-25, Bronze, James A. Garfield

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,020 MS66BN 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1882 Assay Commission medal JK-AC-25 in bronze features a portrait of President James A. Garfield, who had been assassinated on September 19, 1881, after just six months in office. The Garfield portrait on the 1882 Assay Commission medal thus serves as a memorial tribute to the fallen President, one of the earliest medallic recognitions produced by the United States Mint following Garfield's death. The choice to honor Garfield on the 1882 medal was both a political tribute and a practical response: the incoming President Chester A. Arthur had assumed office under tragic circumstances, and featuring Garfield's portrait allowed the Mint to pay respects while giving Arthur time to establish his administration before appearing on future medals. Charles Barber's engraving of the Garfield portrait demonstrates the Chief Engraver's growing confidence in presidential portraiture. Garfield's distinctive beard and intellectual bearing presented different artistic challenges than the clean-shaven Hayes, and Barber's handling of the memorial portrait established his ability to capture presidential likenesses with sensitivity and precision. The bronze JK-AC-25 served as the standard memorial distribution piece for commission members.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-25 (1882) in bronze (AE). Memorial "James A. Garfield" portrait following the President's assassination in 1881.

Cross References

PCGS #512331; JK-AC-25; 1882 Assay Commission