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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$336 MS64BN 03-05-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This copper medal from circa 1862, cataloged as JAB-4, is John Adams Bolen's "Arsenal Without Sun" piece — one of the most enigmatic items in Bolen's medal and token series. Bolen was a Springfield, Massachusetts die sinker who produced a series of copies, fantasies, and original designs during the Civil War era that are now collected as significant numismatic artifacts in their own right. The "Arsenal Without Sun" title indicates a design depicting the Springfield Armory (one of the most important weapons manufacturing facilities during the Civil War) without a sun element that appeared on related pieces. Bolen's work exists in a fascinating gray area between copy, tribute, and original creation, and his pieces are documented in the JAB catalog system. The Civil War context adds historical significance, as the Springfield Armory was producing the Springfield Model 1861 rifle-musket, the primary infantry weapon of the Union Army, during the period when this medal was created.

Rarity Notes

Rare. JAB-4 copper. Bolen medals were produced in quantities of approximately 25-50 pieces each.

Cross References

PCGS #522989; JAB-4; John Adams Bolen; Arsenal Without Sun; Copper; c.1862