Undated (ca. 1864) George Washington / United States Arsenal Muling. Dies by George H. Lovett and John Adams Bolen. Musante JAB M/E-14, Musante GW-676, Baker-626A. White Metal. MS-63 (PCGS).29.6 mm. A somewhat dramatic piece. Broadstruck with the flan expanded outward from about 9 oclock to 6 oclock, around three-quarters of the circumference. What is unusual about this, however, is that while one would have expected there to be no collar in place, the edge is curiously contained around the other 25% of the circumference and there is a very tiny upset rim around the entirety of the obverse, suggesting that the outward flow of metal did meet some resistance. This suggests a collar of inappropriate diameter. Around the reverse, the rims are bulged and heavy. Overall, the medal is bright and brilliant with excellent definition of all details, reflective fields and satiny devices. There is a bit of light handling in the fields, as expected for this curiosity that was likely picked up and studied more than a few times. This specific piece was mentioned in Musantes book on Bolen, <em>The Medallic Works of John Adams Bolen</em>, and is plated in his <em>Medallic Washington</em>. It was illustrated in his Bolen book via a composite image and no auction appearances were cited. This is the only example from these dies in our archives in any metal and could be unique in this composition.From the Claremont Collection. Earlier from the William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897; our Baltimore Auction of November 2019, lot 20494.
