1938 Assay Commission Medal - JK-AC-83, Bronze, Benjamin Franklin
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$3,600 MS67 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1938 Assay Commission medal in bronze, cataloged as JK-AC-83, features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse. Franklin, the polymath Founding Father whose contributions to American life encompassed science, diplomacy, publishing, and political philosophy, was a fitting subject for a medal produced at the Philadelphia Mint — the institution he had helped to establish as one of the first acts of the new republic. The 1938 commission examined coinage from a pivotal year in American numismatics: the introduction of Felix Schlag's Jefferson nickel, the final year of the Buffalo nickel, and the continuation of Depression-era reduced mintages at some facilities. Franklin's own image would eventually grace a circulating U.S. coin when the Franklin half dollar, designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, debuted in 1948. The bronze composition indicates standard distribution to the members of the annual Assay Commission.
Rarity Notes
JK-AC-83, bronze (AE) composition. Features Benjamin Franklin. Standard commission distribution. Franklin later appeared on the half dollar (1948-1963).
Cross References
PCGS #972648; JK-AC-83; Benjamin Franklin; 1938 Assay Commission
External References
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