1794 (ca. 1862) United States Arsenal Medal, Without Sun. By John Adams Bolen. Musante JAB-4. Copper. Overstruck on an 1856 Braided Hair Cent. MS-63 BN (NGC).27.8 mm. Deep mahogany-brown with gentle steely overtones across both sides. A trace of natural surface debris along the right obverse, but with very minimal traces of handling otherwise. A really interesting piece struck over a U.S. large cent of 1856, with considerable undertype visible on both sides. The letters of ONE (especially) and CENT can be seen in the Arsenal building, and outlines of the wreath can be readily made out. On the reverse, about half of Libertys head is easy to see, as is the date and a few of the stars. Overstrikes always add to the appeal for any coin or token issue. Though we have seen others from Bolen dies, they are very rare. One of these over a large cent appeared in the May 1874 Edward Cogan sale, lot 1447, but the date of the undertype was not given. It certainly could have been this very medal.From the Claremont Collection. Earlier from our sale of the Tim Gabriele Collection, November 2017 Baltimore Auction, lot 221.
