1869 Medal JAB-37a The Copper Plate

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,000 MS64BN 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1869 piece, cataloged as JAB-37a, is titled "The Copper Plate" — an intriguing Bolen item that may represent an actual copper printing plate or a medal referencing the printing arts. Bolen's interests extended beyond die sinking into the broader world of engraving and printing, and "The Copper Plate" as a subject reflects this connection between medallic and graphic arts. The "a" suffix indicates a variant of the standard JAB-37 design. Bolen produced this piece during his mature period when his work showed increasing confidence and range of subject matter. The 1869 date falls in the post-Civil War period when Bolen was exploring more diverse themes beyond the military and patriotic subjects that dominated his earlier work. This unusual subject makes JAB-37a one of the more distinctive items in the Bolen catalog.

Rarity Notes

JAB-37a. Unusual subject in the Bolen series. Of interest to collectors interested in the graphic arts connection.

Cross References

PCGS #887225; JAB-37a; The Copper Plate, 1869