Undated (ca. 1868) Grant / Our Next President medal by J.A. Bolen. Musante JAB-32. Silver. Marked “B SILVER” on edge. MS-63 (PCGS).

25.3 mm. 162.8 grains. Soft blue-green patina mottled over deep silver gray on both sides, though the reverse is perhaps just a bit lighter in overall tone. Very prooflike and very well struck on a thin planchet with Bolen's edge markings. In this case, the edge gives no mintage so we must rely upon what Johnson published in 1882, working from Bolen's collection and his personal recollections. He reported just two struck in silver. None is found in our extensive online archives, so this may be the only one that we have ever handled. Certainly, its status as Bolen's own copy and, particularly his reference collection edge markings make it unique, even if another should turn up. Another important medal from Bolen's patriotic series and a prize in silver. Board Position: D 1/6

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the personal reference collection of John Adams Bolen.