1866 Three Dollar Pattern - J-C1866-6

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,200 MS65 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This privately-produced three-dollar pattern is another entry in the small series of Lincoln-portrait gold fantasies bearing the 1866 date. Like its companion pieces J-C1866-1 through J-C1866-3, this pattern features the bearded bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse with the "GOD AND OUR COUNTRY" motto, paired with a wreath-and-Roman-numeral reverse indicating the three-dollar denomination. The J-C1866-6 designation indicates a distinct die variety or compositional variant within the group — the higher catalog number indicates it was identified later in the numismatic literature, representing a different die state, edge treatment, or metal composition from the earlier-cataloged varieties. These privately-issued Lincoln patterns were produced during a period of intense national mourning and remembrance following Lincoln's assassination in April 1865. The first official US coin to bear Lincoln's portrait would not appear until the 1909 Lincoln cent, more than four decades later. These fantasy patterns therefore represent some of the earliest numismatic tributes to the 16th president. The entire C1866 group was produced circa 1868 by Joseph H. Merriam or an associate, and all varieties are cataloged in Appendix C of the standard Judd pattern reference.

Rarity Notes

R-7 or higher (estimated 4-12 known). Extreme rarity consistent with the entire C1866 family of Lincoln three-dollar patterns.

Cross References

Judd-C1866-6; Pollock-5095