(1863) Silver Medal JAB-2, Bar Cent Facsimile

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,200 MS64 10-17-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

This silver medal cataloged as JAB-2 is a Bar Cent Facsimile created by John Adams Bolen, the noted Springfield, Massachusetts die sinker and engraver. The original Bar Cent, struck circa 1785, is one of the most enigmatic coins of the early American period — a small copper piece with thirteen parallel bars on the obverse representing the thirteen original states and the monogram USA on the reverse. Bolen's facsimile, produced in silver around 1863, was part of his broader program of copying rare American numismatic items in precious metals. While Bolen's copies were sometimes controversial — he was criticized for potentially deceiving collectors — they also served to make iconic American numismatic designs available to collectors who could never hope to own the originals. The silver composition distinguishes this as a Bolen production rather than the original copper Bar Cent. The JAB-2 designation indicates this was one of the earliest pieces in Bolen's medal and copy series, produced during the Civil War years when collecting Americana experienced a significant boom.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Bolen silver copies were struck in quantities of approximately 25-50 pieces. The JAB-2 Bar Cent Facsimile is among the most sought-after Bolen productions.

Cross References

PCGS #525147; JAB-2; John Adams Bolen; Bar Cent Facsimile