1912 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-56, Bronze, William H. Taft

Coin Details

Description

The 1912 Assay Commission medal in bronze, cataloged as JK-AC-56, is the standard-issue companion featuring President William Howard Taft. This bronze version was distributed to commission members attending the annual assay at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1912 medal represents the third of four consecutive Taft portraits on Assay Commission medals (1910-1913), documenting the visual arc of his presidency from hopeful beginning to controversial end. Taft's administration had significant numismatic implications beyond the Assay Commission — his Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh oversaw the introduction of the Buffalo nickel and authorized Adolph Weinman's designs that would eventually appear on the 1916 dime, quarter, and half dollar. The bronze composition and standard format made this the version to survive in collector hands, as commission members often kept their medals as souvenirs of their government service.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-56, bronze composition. Standard commission member issue. Third Taft portrait. Bronze versions are more frequently encountered than silver in this era.

Cross References

PCGS #972605; JK-AC-56; William H. Taft; 1912 Assay Commission