(c.1893) Medal JAB-40 Brass The Cyrus Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,200 MS65 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1893 brass medal cataloged as JAB-40 is known as "The Cyrus Medal," one of the later productions in John Adams Bolen's extensive medallic output. By 1893, Bolen was in his late sixties and had been creating medals for over three decades. The Cyrus Medal takes its name from its subject matter, connected to Cyrus the Great of Persia or a local figure of significance to Bolen and his circle of collectors and correspondents. The brass composition gives this medal a warm golden appearance that complements the historical subject. JAB-40 represents one of the higher catalog numbers in the Bolen series, indicating it was among his later die-cutting efforts. Despite his advancing age, Bolen maintained the technical precision that had characterized his work throughout his career — the clean lettering, well-proportioned portraits, and balanced compositions that made his medals recognizable at a glance. Bolen's late-career medals are less frequently encountered than his prolific Civil War era productions, as his output naturally decreased with age. The Cyrus Medal in brass stands as evidence of his continued creative engagement well into the 1890s, a testament to the lasting passion for die-cutting and medallic art that defined his life's work.

Rarity Notes

Late Bolen productions tend to have smaller mintages than his earlier work. JAB-40 in brass is scarce, with fewer than 25 pieces struck.

Cross References

PCGS #887095; JAB-40 (Brass)