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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,800 SP65 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1915 Assay Commission medal in silver, cataloged as JK-AC-59, breaks from the presidential portrait tradition by featuring the Seal of the United States Treasury on the obverse. This departure from the convention of depicting the sitting president or a prominent official reflects the practice of occasionally using institutional symbols rather than individual portraits on the annual medal. The Treasury seal — featuring scales of justice, a key, and a chevron — represented the department's authority over the nation's monetary system, including the coinage that the Assay Commission was charged with examining. The 1915 commission met during a year that saw the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, for which the Mint produced a celebrated series of commemorative coins including the rare octagonal and round fifty-dollar gold pieces. The silver composition indicates this was a limited presentation piece for senior officials.

Rarity Notes

JK-AC-59, silver (AR) composition. Features U.S. Treasury Seal rather than a personal portrait. Very limited mintage. 1915 coincides with the Panama-Pacific Exposition commemorative coinage.

Cross References

PCGS #972608; JK-AC-59; U.S. Treasury Seal; 1915 Assay Commission