(c.1867) Medal JAB-K-2 Copper Jefferson / Webster

Coin Details

Description

This copper medal from circa 1867, cataloged as JAB-K-2, features paired portraits of Thomas Jefferson and Daniel Webster — two of the most eloquent advocates for American democracy, though from different eras and political traditions. John Adams Bolen's pairing of these two figures creates a dialogue between Jefferson's agrarian republicanism and Webster's nationalistic Whig oratory. Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president, championed individual liberty and limited government. Webster, the greatest orator of the antebellum Senate, defended the Union and the Constitution with famous speeches including the 1830 Reply to Hayne. Bolen's decision to pair these two men on a medal produced during Reconstruction may reflect a desire to invoke foundational American political values during a period of national reconstruction. The JAB-K designation identifies this within Bolen's medal series, and the copper composition was his standard production metal.

Rarity Notes

Rare. JAB-K-2 copper. Bolen medals were struck in limited quantities of approximately 25-50 pieces.

Cross References

PCGS #892365; JAB-K-2; John Adams Bolen; Jefferson; Webster; Copper; c.1867