2011 First Spouse gold coin designs were finalized and unveiled by the US Mint earlier this month via a press release. The four coins honor the wives of the 17th through the 20th Presidents of the United States. The ladies are Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes and Lucretia Garfield.
The obverse of each coin is a portrait of the First Lady, and the reverse portrays a significant moment or aspect of their lives.
The release date for the earliest new coins, the Eliza Johnson First Spouse Gold Coins , has not been published as of this writing. The portrait of Eliza Johnson was designed by Joel Iskowitz, United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer. Inscriptions include ELIZA JOHNSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 17th, and 1865-1869. Don Everhart, US Mint Sculptor-Engraver, is credited for the sculpting.
On the reverse, the design portrays three young children dancing while a Marine Band fiddler plays at the children’s ball that was held during President Johnson’s 60th birthday. AIP Associate Designer Gary Whitley designed the image. US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill sculpted it.
Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coins are scheduled to be released on June 2, 2011. The coins feature AIP Master Designer Donna Weaver’s drawing of the First Lady on the obverse. The inscriptions read JULIA GRANT, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 18th, and 1869-1877. It was sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, US Mint Medallic Sculptor.
AIP Master Designer Richard Masters drew a young Julia Dent and Ulysses S. Grant, while Grant was a West Point cadet, horseback riding at her family’s plantation, White Haven, for the reverse design. US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers sculpted the design.
On September 1, 2011, the US Mint will launch the Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coins. Their obverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble. It includes the inscriptions LUCY HAYES, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 19th, and 1877-1881. Don Everhart was the sculptor.
The reverse of the coin depicts Lucy Hayes as she cheers for children participating in the first Easter Egg Roll held at the White House. AIP Associate Designer Barbara Fox designed it, and it was sculpted by US Mint Medallic Sculptor Joseph Menna.
The launch date for the last of this year’s coins, the Lucretia Garfield First Spouse Gold Coins, is set for December 1, 2011. Barbara Fox’s representation of Mrs. Garfield is on the obverse of the coins. Inscriptions are LUCRETIA GARFIELD, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 20th, and 1881. Phebe Hemphill sculpted it.
Michael Gaudioso designed and sculpted the reverse. In it, he depicts Lucretia Garfield painting on a canvas using a brush and palette.
Inscriptions on the reverse of every First Spouse coin include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNION, $10, 1/2 OZ., and .9999 FINE GOLD.
Since 2007, when the collector series began, the US Mint has issued the coins in both proof and uncirculated versions. Each option is struck in 1/2 ounces of 24 karat, .9999 fine gold. Typically, the new coins are issued in approximately three-month intervals throughout the year. Their prices will depend on the London Fix market price of gold during the time of each release.
In addition to the new First Spouse gold coins, bronze medals priced at $7.95 each will be struck and will feature the same designs. The corresponding Presidents will each be depicted on Presidential $1 clad coins that will be released into circulation shortly prior to the release of the First Spouse coins. A set containing the Presidential $1 and the First Spouse bronze medals will also be released by the US Mint throughout the year.
Finally, the last First Spouse product by the Mint to feature these designs will be the First Spouse Bronze Four-Medal Set. The set contains the bronze medal for each of these ladies, and the set is scheduled for release on December 1, 2011.
You must log in to post a comment.