(c.1876) Medal JAB-K-1 Silver Jefferson / Jackson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576 MS62 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1876 silver striking of JAB-K-1 by John Adams Bolen is the premium composition version of his Jefferson-Jackson presidential pairing medal. Silver was the most expensive and least frequently struck metal in Bolen's repertoire, reserved for collectors willing to pay a significant premium over the copper and brass versions. The silver composition gives this small medal a brilliant white appearance and substantial heft that elevates it above the base-metal versions. Bolen's silver strikings represent the apex of his medallic art. The precious metal captures every nuance of his engraving — the fine lines of Jefferson's hair, the strong jaw of Jackson's portrait — with a clarity that makes these pieces miniature masterworks of the diesinker's craft. Each silver striking was produced individually on Bolen's hand press, and the limited quantities reflect both the cost of the metal and the collector demand that justified the premium. The JAB-K-1 die combination is documented in the standard Bolen references compiled by researchers who cataloged his extensive output of original medals, copies, and mulings. Bolen kept meticulous records of his productions, noting the number struck in each metal, which has allowed modern numismatists to establish reliable rarity estimates for his various issues.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings by Bolen are the scarcest composition for most die combinations, typically limited to 5-15 pieces. JAB-K-1 in silver is rare and commands strong premiums when offered.

Cross References

PCGS #887038; JAB-K-1 (Silver)