1737 (1860s) Higley Copper. Bolen Copy. Musante JAB-10, Kenney-4, W-14285. Silver. MS-62 (PCGS).Handsome steel gray patina blankets both sides of this overall boldly defined example. The upper reverse border is nearly devoid of definition -- the only significant striking softness on either side. Satiny, finely textured surfaces are smooth in hand with a pleasingly original appearance. The dies for this type were cut by John Adams Bolen in 1864 and sold to Dr. F.S. Edwards of New York the following year, who used them to produce an unknown number of restrikes in various metallic compositions. Although Bolen stated that only two silver impressions were produced, the true mintage is unknown. Michael Hodder knew of four, three of which were in the Ford Collection, and others likely exist. Yet still, this is a very scarce type, represented here by a highly desirable example.
