Undated (ca. 1867) Webster / The Able Defender medal by J.A. Bolen. Musante JAB-29. White Metal. MS-61 (PCGS).

25.5 mm. 90.3 grains. Bright and somewhat reflective surfaces with just a trace of mellowing in the most exposed areas of the fields from light handling. Scattered small marks and hairlines are noted in the soft metal, as usually seen for Bolen medals in this composition. Though unmarked on the edge and struck on a thin flan, this seems to be the early die state. Its association here, with the Bolen set in three other metals, suggests that it is from his reference set, but conversely, the degree of handling might suggest a Kline restrike that was added later. It is impossible to know for sure. The AJN listing gave the mintage as three in "tin," while in 1882 Johnson noted none in this metal. They are quite rare in any case. Just two appear in our online archives. Board Position: B 3/5

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.