(c.1862) Medal JAB-M/E 5 White Metal U.S. Arsenal - J.A. Bolen

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS63 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1862 white metal medal is cataloged as JAB-M/E 5, the white metal version of J.A. Bolen's fifth experimental muling featuring the U.S. Arsenal design. White metal — a tin-based alloy — was an economical striking medium that Bolen used for some of his medalets, creating pieces with a bright silvery appearance at a fraction of the cost of actual silver. The "J.A. Bolen" legend on this piece explicitly identifies the maker, a practice that Bolen adopted on some of his work to prevent his pieces from being mistaken for genuine government issues or the work of other die sinkers. White metal Bolen pieces are scarcer than copper versions for most designs, as Bolen have produced fewer examples in this composition. The combination of white metal and the M/E experimental classification makes this a doubly unusual piece in the Bolen series.

Rarity Notes

JAB-M/E 5, white metal. Experimental muling in uncommon composition. Very limited production.

Cross References

PCGS #886965; JAB-M/E 5; U.S. Arsenal - J.A. Bolen, White Metal