First Spouse Gold Coin Specifications

First Spouse Gold Coins are slightly larger than U.S. quarters and have the same diameter as a Presidential $1 coin. The latter is no coincidence. The series of coins honoring First Ladies was authorized by the the Presidential $1 Coin Act, which became law (Public Law 109–145) on Dec. 22, 2005. That law mandates and includes the coin provisions.

First Spouse Gold Coin Certificate of AuthenticityResponsible for executing the details within the act, the United States Mint includes a Certificate of Authenticity — with the Director’s signature — that is shipped with each coin. It includes the following specifications:

First Spouse Gold Coin Specifications

Conditions: Proof or Uncirculated
Date: [Year of coin]
Mint: West Point
Mint Mark: "W"
Diameter: 1.043 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)
Composition: .9999 Fine Gold
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554g) (min.)

Additionally, the coins are legal tender of the United States with a face value of $10. Obviously, the gold content itself far exceeds the denominated value.

First Spouse Medal Specifications

The Presidential $1 Coin Act also specifies that bronze medals of each First Spouse Coin may be struck (they have and will continue through the series). However, the language is general:

The Secretary may strike and sell bronze medals that bear the likeness of the bullion coins authorized under this subsection, at a price, size, and weight, and with such inscriptions, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

To view medals that have already been issued, follow First Spouse Medal Images.