(1864) Gold Medalet J-PR-35, Abraham Lincoln

Coin Details

Description

This gold medalet cataloged as Julian PR-35 represents the most precious and rarest metal variant of the Lincoln "Crisis Demands" reelection medal designed by Anthony C. Paquet. Gold strikings of Civil War-era medalets are among the most coveted items in American numismatics, combining extreme rarity with historical significance and precious metal content. The approximately 18mm gold medalet carries Paquet's Lincoln portrait on the obverse and the powerful reelection message — AN HONEST MAN / THE CRISIS / DEMANDS / HIS RE-ELECTION — that made this piece a partisan statement during the critical 1864 presidential campaign. The gold composition would have marked this as an extraordinary presentation piece, given to prominent Lincoln supporters, political allies, or high-ranking officials. Gold medalets from the U.S. Mint during the Civil War period are consistently among the rarest American numismatic items. The combination of high intrinsic metal value, tiny production numbers, and the profound historical significance of the 1864 election creates a uniquely desirable collectible. Lincoln's assassination just months after his second inauguration further elevated the historical importance of all Lincoln-era medallic art. A collection of Lincoln gold medals, including examples of the PR-35, was documented as crossing the auction block in a significant numismatic sale, demonstrating the sustained market interest in these exceptional pieces. The gold PR-35 medalet stands at the pinnacle of the Crisis Demands medal hierarchy.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Gold strikings of the Lincoln Crisis Demands medalet exist in tiny numbers, fewer than a dozen. Auction appearances are major events. Among the most valuable Lincoln medallic items in existence.

Cross References

Julian PR-35 (Gold); PCGS #740700; NGC #952006