(1869) Bronzed Medal J-MT-5, James Pollock

Coin Details

Auction Record

$660 MS65BN 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronzed medal Julian MT-5 honors James Pollock (1810-1890), who served two terms as Director of the United States Mint: first from 1861 to 1866, and again from 1869 to 1873. Pollock's most enduring contribution to American coinage was his role in placing the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on United States coins, a change driven by the religious sentiment that swept the nation during the Civil War. He corresponded with Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase about the addition of a religious motto, and the first coins bearing the phrase appeared on the 1864 two-cent piece under Pollock's supervision. The obverse features a portrait of Pollock, who came to the Mint directorship after serving as Governor of Pennsylvania (1855-1858). His first term coincided with the Civil War, during which the Mint faced extraordinary challenges including the hoarding of precious metals and the need to produce vast quantities of coinage to support the wartime economy. Pollock oversaw the transition to bronze cent coinage in 1864 and the introduction of the new nickel five-cent piece in 1866, both responses to the coin shortages that plagued the nation during the conflict. The reverse carries the Julian MT-5 designation and commemorative inscriptions. Pollock's second term saw him manage the Mint during the debates over silver coinage and monetary policy that would dominate American politics for the next three decades. The bronzed finish indicates this was produced as a presentation-quality medal, consistent with the Mint's practice of honoring its directors with formal medallic portraits.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed medal, Julian MT-5. Pollock served as Mint Director 1861-1866 and 1869-1873. Champion of "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto on coinage.

Cross References

PCGS #531276; Julian MT-5; James Pollock (1810-1890); Mint Director 1861-1866 & 1869-1873