(C. 1879) Muling of J.A. Bolen’s Washington and Joseph Merriam’s Lincoln dies. Copper. 28mm. Musante JAB W-12, GW-698; Baker-233. MS-65BN (NGC).，Bold blue steel toning over deep mahogany brown copper with traces of fiery orange in the deeper recesses. Beautifully executed in high relief, and fully struck. Double striking is evident on the Lincoln side, which has suffered a die break that bisects it. Prooflike and as attractive as it is rare. According to W. Elliot Woodwards cataloging of one in his 1880 Jenks sale, just five were struck in copper. This one is the plate piece in both Musantes Bolen reference and his recently published, Medallic Washington. An important opportunity for serious collectors of Bolen or Washington medals.From the Tim Gabriele Collection. Earlier ex Neil Musante.
