1915 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-59, Bronze, U.S. Treasury Seal

Coin Details

Description

The 1915 Assay Commission medal in bronze, cataloged as JK-AC-59, features the Seal of the United States Treasury on the obverse rather than a presidential portrait. The Treasury seal design made this medal unusual within the Assay Commission series, which more commonly honored presidents, Treasury Secretaries, or other prominent figures. The use of an institutional emblem reflected a desire to honor the department itself during a period of significant monetary reform — the Federal Reserve System, established in December 1913 under President Wilson, was still in its infancy in 1915 and was fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the Treasury, the banking system, and the Mint. The bronze composition marks this as the standard distribution version for commission members. The reverse carries the traditional Assay Commission inscription recording the annual verification proceedings at the Philadelphia Mint.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-59, bronze composition. Institutional design featuring Treasury Seal. Standard commission member distribution. More available than the silver version but still scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #972609; JK-AC-59; U.S. Treasury Seal; 1915 Assay Commission