Born in Orangeville, Illinois. Served in the Army Infantry during WW I. Married Lily Hellquist on September 5, 1937. Employed as a teacher and school principal 1919 to 1932.

He began collecting coins at age 12. He became a part time dealer in 1919. Dealer in Orangeville, Illinois, through September 1939. Later in 1939 he moved to Freeport, Illinois. He moved to San Marino, California, in 1952. He issued fixed price lists up through at least number 55 in 1934. Conducted 190 auction sales with 246,228 lots from 1925 to 1960. His brother, Glen E. Bolender, continued to manage the Liberty Coin Co. in Orangeville.

He contributed "M. H. Bolender Writes" to Numismatic News 1961 to 1963. Author of The United States Early Silver Dollars From 1794 to 1803 in 1950. In the preface to his book he was called "The Dean of American Numismatics."

He died in Spring Valley, California.

bio: Adams II (photo); preface to 4th edition

obit: CW 11/30/77; NN 12/3/77; NUM 91 Jan 1978 p. 71; ANAHist 1270