(c.1862) Medal JAB-4 Brass Arsenal Without Sun

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 MS64 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1862 brass medal, cataloged as JAB-4, features the "Arsenal Without Sun" design by J.A. Bolen. The design depicts a military arsenal scene, part of a series of arsenal-themed medals that Bolen produced during the Civil War. The "Without Sun" designation distinguishes this die variety from versions that include a sun in the sky above the arsenal building. These distinctions between die states are important to Bolen specialists, who track the subtle variations in his work with the same precision that coin collectors apply to die varieties. Bolen's arsenal series reflects the military preoccupations of the Civil War era, when arsenals and armories were critical infrastructure. The brass composition was one of several metals Bolen used for his medalets, with different compositions creating collecting varieties that expanded the total number of distinct pieces in his series.

Rarity Notes

JAB-4, brass. Arsenal Without Sun variety. Bolen medalets typically survive in quantities of 25-50 per variety. Brass is less common than copper for this design.

Cross References

PCGS #627415; JAB-4; Arsenal Without Sun, Brass