A lovely example of one of the most prized of all Bolen pieces. Deeply and exquisitely toned with areas of rich violet and blue-green iridescence. A few hairlines in the prooflike fields and scattered surface marks, all diminished in effect by the lovely and desirable patina. A very rare medal, Bolens only large format medal and easily a favorite of this cataloger (JP) for both overall styling and theme. According to Musante, the portrait of Washington here was originally rendered by Nathanial Fullerton in 1776, which inspired an engraving by G.G. Smith from which the Bolen engraving was taken. It was reported by Bolen that just five examples were struck in silver. The dies seem to have been sold to Dr. Edwards shortly after preparation and before Bolen struck any examples from them, this being the suggestion of two separate contemporary sources, including Bolen himself. Edward Cogan owned the dies later but they were reported in a 1905 account by Bolen to have been "ruined by rust." In cataloging the MacKenzie Collection in 1869, Cogan wrote that eight had been struck in silver, and as Musante had accounted for six in his study, it is believed that eight is the correct number of silver examples. This is an early impression without the die crack from the rim to the second N in WASHINGTON, as noted in Musante. A prize among Bolens pieces that also commands the attention of collectors of Washington medals. As for the theme, the words of the reverse might have served to make several different political appeals at the time of the Civil War, when the piece was executed. Just the same, many would do well to consider Washingtons advice today.，，，From the Eagle Hill Collection. Ex Anthony Terranova; our sale of the Q. David Bowers Reference Collection, February 2014, lot 123.
