6573

1873 Assay Commission Medal. PR63 Brown Uncertified. Ju

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:130.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1873 Assay Commission Medal. PR63 Brown Uncertified. Ju
<B>1873 Assay Commission Medal. PR63 Brown Uncertified.</B></I> Julian AC-12, R.5. Copper, 33.6 mm., 319.4 grains. The obverse is the same die used in 1871 with J. POLLOCK DIRECTOR on two lines in exergue. The reverse has a funereal urn on top of a draped coffin labeled ECKFELDT. Below is the three line inscription ANNUAL ASSAY 1873. The entire design is contained in a wreath of palm that is open at the top. This example is a pleasing olive-brown proof with reflective fields and iridescent toning, including hints of faded mint red.<BR> R.W. Julian discussed this medal and the reverse design: "The funeral device is in honor of long-time Assayer Jacob Eckfeldt, who died on August 9, 1872, in his forty-first year of service to the Philadelphia Mint. Due to his long tenure, wide circle of friends, and a family long connected with the Mint, it is probable that upwards of fifty (or even more) medals in the various metals were struck for varying distribution beyond the regular Assay Commissioners. At least two medals were sent to commissioners unable to attend the meeting due to illness. One of these two, Professor John Torrey, was himself to die shortly and then be honored on the Assay medal of 1874."