1794 (ca. 1862) United States Arsenal Medal, Without Sun. By John Adams Bolen. Musante JAB-4. Brass. MS-65 (NGC).27.8 mm. A beautiful and high-grade survivor with lively surfaces of warm golden brass accented by pleasing russet and pale blue toning on both sides. Pleasantly prooflike with a few trivial patina spots but no notable handling marks. Nicely struck with excellent eye appeal for one of these. One of 75 reported to have been struck in brass, likely not by Bolen but by either Mason or Edwards who later bought the dies. Missing from Musantes collection in this composition. Though certainly not as rare as some Bolen medals, this is the highest grade of this type in brass among those in our archives.From the Claremont Collection. Earlier from our sale of the Tim Gabriele Collection, November 2017 Baltimore Auction, lot 2019.
