1865 (post-1886) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Medal. By George T. Morgan. Cunningham 22-240Cbz, King-518, Julian PR-12. Bronzed Copper. MS-64 BN (NGC). 77 mm. Handsome mahogany-brown patina with blended steel-olive highlights and faint powder blue undertones. The fields reveal modest hints of reflectivity as the medal dips into a light, which feature further enhances already strong eye appeal. A boldly rendered and overall smooth-looking example that is perhaps kept from a full Gem rating by only a swirl of ancient verdigris at the upper reverse border. Medals of this type were first struck in the United States Mint during the second quarter of 1886. Julian (1977) considers the obverse of the Lincoln medal to be, "one of the finest artistic efforts ever struck at the mint."
