1866 Three Dollar Pattern - J-C1866-3, Merriam Fantasy
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
This silver piece with a reeded edge is attributed to Joseph H. Merriam, a Boston medalist and die sinker. Two are known, one in the Smithsonian. The obverse of this piece bears a bearded portrait of President Abraham Lincoln facing right, encircled by the motto "GOD AND OUR COUNTRY" — a sentiment that echoed the recently adopted "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto that first appeared on US coinage in 1864. The reverse features a wreath of oak and laurel leaves surrounding the Roman numeral "III" indicating the three-dollar denomination. Its reverse comes from a Mint pattern die, probably by Longacre. The three-dollar gold denomination was itself an oddity in American coinage — authorized in 1853 and first struck in 1854 — making it a fitting canvas for an equally unusual private fantasy.
Rarity Notes
2 known (USPatterns.com)
Cross References
Judd-C1866-3; Pollock-5090; Cunningham 15-740X (related series)
External References
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