1866 Lincoln Gold $3, Private Pattern, Choice Uncirculated
Pollock 5080, by Joseph H. Merriam, Gold 21mm

Pollock 5080 - Gold, Reeded Edge. Obverse with Merriam's bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, GOD AND OUR COUNTRY above, small date below. The reverse exhibits an ornate wreath with an oak branch at left, an olive branch at right, roman numeral III at center, and a six-pointed star above. Rarity 7+ (estimated 4 to 6 known).

This is one of a series of mid-19th century "patterns" by Joseph H. Merriam featuring his bust of Abraham Lincoln. Merriam operated a die-sinking and medal business in Boston from 1850 to the late 1860's. He first appeared in the Boston directories in 1854 at 147 1/2 Washington Street, moving to 18 Brattle Square, now Government Center, during 1857.

For comparison, a different example of Pollock 5080 last sold in the American Numismatic Rarities "The Classics Sale", July 2003, lot 1061 at $4,140 as "MS-60".

(See http://www.coins.nd.edu/WashToken/WashTokenText/StorecardsMA1.html).