1866 Three Dollar Pattern - J-C1866-2

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

This privately-produced pattern explores an alternative design for the three-dollar gold denomination, which was an active series from 1854 through 1889. The obverse features a bearded bust of President Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the motto "GOD AND OUR COUNTRY" arched above and the date 1866 below. The reverse displays a wreath composed of intertwined oak and laurel leaves encircling the Roman numeral "III," with scroll ornamentation and a star at the top. It belongs to a small group of privately struck pieces dated 1866 that uspatterns attributes to Joseph H. Merriam; he made a similar design dated 1868. The Lincoln portrait obverse is notable because Lincoln never appeared on any official US gold coinage. Judd-C1866-2 is the gold striking with a plain edge, of which two are believed to exist; Judd-C1866-1 is gold with a reeded edge, C1866-3 silver with a reeded edge and C1866-6 nickel with a reeded edge. These pieces are listed in Appendix C of the Judd pattern reference and the "Semi-Official and Private Patterns" section of the Pollock catalog, reflecting their status as items of numismatic interest that fall outside the official Mint production sequence.

Rarity Notes

2 believed to exist (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-C1866-2; Pollock-5085