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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,020 MS63 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1862 silver medal, cataloged as JAB-4, is the silver version of J.A. Bolen's "Arsenal Without Sun" design. Silver was the most precious metal Bolen regularly used for his medalets, and silver versions of any Bolen design are significantly scarcer than their copper or brass counterparts. Bolen typically struck only a handful of silver examples of each design, reserving them for favored collectors and fellow numismatists. The arsenal design, depicting a military installation during the Civil War, was one of Bolen's earliest and most popular subjects. Silver Bolen medalets command substantial premiums over base metal versions, as the small original mintages combined with the intrinsic metal value and the prestige of the silver composition make them highly desirable to specialists in the Bolen series.

Rarity Notes

JAB-4, silver. Silver Bolen medalets are significantly scarcer than copper or brass versions, with typical mintages of 5-15 pieces. Premium variety.

Cross References

PCGS #886827; JAB-4; Arsenal Without Sun, Silver