1873 Archimedes Assay Medal

This medal displays Archimedes, standing in an arched doorway. To the left of him rests a bathtub, which symbolizes his discovery of specific gravity and displacement for previous medals. The exergue states, ÜJ. Pollock Director”. The reverse displays an intricate leafy wreath. In the center of the wreath states, ÜAnnual Assay 1873″. Above the engraving is a catafalque, which is labeled ÜEckfeldt”. The reverse honors Jacob Eckfeldt who died in 1872 during his forty-first year of service to the Philadelphia Mint. Over fifty of these medals were struck and distributed beyond the regular Assay Commissioners.