Frances Cleveland First Spouse Gold Coins (Second Term)

Frances Cleveland First Spouse Gold Coins (Second Term) are the last of four designs issued in 2012 as part of the US Mint’s First Spouse Gold Coins Program. Like other strikes of the series issued to honor the spouses of the former Presidents of the United States, these coins in proof and uncirculated qualities are composed of one-half ounce of .9999 fine gold.

This coin actually marks the second of two coins released in the series to honor the same individual. The other "First Term" gold coins are scheduled to appear earlier in 2012.

Frances is featured on two sets of First Spouse Gold Coins because her husband, Grover Cleveland, is the only individual to serve two non-consecutive terms as the President of the United States. He was both the 22nd President from March 4, 1885 through March 4, 1889 and the 24th from March 4, 1893 through March 4, 1897.

The unique situation of the non-consecutive terms was considered in the passage of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145) which authorized the First Spouse Gold Coins. It dictated that in this instance, the individuals be honored on two separate coins. Those who served consecutive terms are only honored on one coin.

Frances Cleveland First Spouse Gold Coins Designs

Shown on the obverse of the second term Frances Cleveland First Spouse Gold Coins is her portrait as designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Associate Designer Barbara Fox and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It also includes the inscriptions of FRANCES CLEVELAND, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2012 and 24th 1893-1897.

The reverse depicts "an event emblematic of Mrs. Cleveland’s popularity with the public," according to the U.S. Mint. It was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna and includes the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 oz. and .9999 FINE GOLD.

Frances Cleveland Biography Biography (1864-1947)

Frances was born on July 21, 1864. Her future husband, Grover, knew her as a child since he was close friends with her father. In fact, when her father died, Grover became administrator of his will.

Grover and Frances remained close through her teen years, but it was not until she was attending college that a romance blossomed. Grover had already been elected President and the two married in the White House with Frances being 21 years old and Grover being 49.

Frances immediately assumed the duties of White House hostess from her husband’s sister. Grover lost re-election and the two moved out of the White House, but only for four years. He was re-elected again to a second non-consecutive term.

All accounts show that Frances was well-liked by the public. She even held two receptions weekly, with one of those being on Saturday afternoons so working women could attend.