Undated (post-1862) United States Arsenal Medal Muling. With Sun / Without Sun. Dies by John Adams Bolen. Musante JAB M/E-1. Copper. MS-63 BN (NGC).28 mm. Mostly light olive-brown with pale gray steel overtones. Accents of pale blue and violet may be seen close to the devices. A bit handled, commensurate with the grade, but no serious marks. Though Bolen cut these dies in 1862, they were sold George B. Mason, later passing to Frank Smith, possibly Bushnell, and then to the Chapmans. It is unknown who actually struck the medals or when, but the dies are by Bolens hand so they are worthwhile additions to any advanced collection of his medallic works. These are rare in any metal, and though copper is the most frequently seen, we have only three in our archives, including this one.From the Claremont Collection. Earlier ex Q. David Bowers; our sale of the Tim Gabriele Collection, November 2017 Baltimore Auction, lot 255.
