(c.1865) Medal JAB-20 Copper Bolen-Abraham Lincoln

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,160 MS66BN 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1865 copper medal, cataloged as JAB-20, is the Bolen version of the Abraham Lincoln memorial medalet — the copper striking from J.A. Bolen's own dies. The distinction "Bolen" in the title differentiates this from the Kline version (PCGS #669120), which was struck from Bolen's dies by later owners. Bolen produced his Lincoln portrait medal in the immediate aftermath of the assassination, when the market for Lincoln memorial pieces was at its peak. Copper was Bolen's most commonly used striking metal, and the JAB-20 in copper represents the largest production run for this design, though even Bolen's largest runs were small by commercial standards. The Lincoln portrait medal demonstrates Bolen's ability to capture a likeness with skill comparable to the finest professional engravers of his era.

Rarity Notes

JAB-20, copper, Bolen striking. Original Bolen production. Distinguished from later Kline strikings. Typical small Bolen mintage.

Cross References

PCGS #669121; JAB-20; Bolen-Abraham Lincoln, Copper