First Spouse Coins | Guide to US Gold Coin Series

First Spouse Coins honor the spouses of U.S. Presidents with one-half ounce, 24-karat pure gold coins minted in proof and uncirculated condition. The United States Mint First Spouse Gold Coin program is the first to feature women in a consecutive series of legal tender coins.

2009 First Spouse Gold Coins
Anna Harrison First Spouse Coin	Letitia Tyler First Spouse Coin	Julia Tyler First Spouse Coin	Sarah Polk First Spouse Coin	Margaret Taylor First Spouse Coin

2008 First Spouse Gold Coins
Elizabeth Monroe	Louisa Adams	Jackson’s Liberty	Van Buren’s Liberty

2007 First Spouse Gold Coins
Martha Washington	Abigail Adams	Jefferson’s Liberty	Dolley Madison

 

The series compliments the US Mint Presidential $1 Coin program and follows its release schedule with four coins struck and released annually in the order of Presidential service.

The First Spouse Gold Coin series began in 2007 and is scheduled to extend into 2016.

The gold series has included some of the most interesting coin designs of modern times with each obverse or heads side portraying the First Spouse and the reverse design depicting a scene typical of the spouse’s "life and work."

There are instances when a U.S. President has served without a First Spouse, like Jefferson, Jackson and and Martin Van Buren. For these, a design is created that is emblematic of Liberty used on a coin during the President’s years in office.

There are two cases where a President has had more than one spouse during service and two First Spouse Coins will be issued, like John Tyler. Tyler’s first wife Letitia died during his second year in office. Tyler later married Julia while still President.

The First Spouse Program series of gold coins is authorized through the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, which was signed into law (Public Law 109-145) on Dec. 22, 2005 by President George Bush and calls for pure gold (.9999) collectible counterparts of the circulating Presidential $1 Coins.

Additionally, the law authorizes First Spouse Medals made from bronze. The 1 5/16" medals bear the likeness of each gold coin and are sold by the United States Mint for just $3.50 each.

The five 2009 First Spouse Gold Coins have already been issued by the US Mint. The last proof and uncirculated Margaret Taylor gold coins — and duplicate medal — was issued on Dec. 3, 2009. Attention will soon turn to the 2010 releases.