The United States Mint launched the Abigail Fillmore First Spouse Gold Coins today at noon Eastern Time.
The 1/2 ounce, 24-karat gold coins have a face value of $10 and come in proof and uncirculated versions. Each are struck at the United States Mint at West Point and bear the ‘W’ mint mark.
The coins are encapsulated for protection and ship in a presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the United States Mint Director. No household order limits are in place, but the maximum mintage is 15,000 across all product options as opposed to the 40,000 maximum of earlier coins in the series.
The initial release price is $729 for the proof and $716 for the uncirculated. The London Fix for gold has been hanging between $1,100 to $1,149 an ounce on the markets for the last few days so it is unlikely the Mint will raise the price of these precious metal coins anytime soon. However, if the weekly gold average changes above or below the $1,100 to $1,149 range, the coin prices will be adjusted by +/- $25. (For more information, see First Spouse Price Grid.)
Abigail Fillmore Information
Abigail Fillmore was married to Millard Fillmore for about 25 years before he became President of the United States.
Before meeting her future husband, Abigail was raised by her single mother and enjoyed reading and education. After meeting Millard Fillmore in her twenties, the two decided to wait several years before getting married as he worked at his career in law.
Abigail continued to work after marriage until their first child was born. She satisfied her quest for learning by reading and listening to lectures and Congressional debates.
Perhaps her most well known legacy as first lady was her involvement establishing the White House library, with appropriation from Congress. Abigail acquired several hundred volumes to start the collection and spent many hours selecting and arranging the books.
Gold Coin Designs
The coins honoring Abigail feature a portrait of her on the obverse designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. The reverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble, shows Abigail arranging books in the library she established at the White House.
These are the fourteenth coins of the series that started in 2007 and honor the former first ladies of the United States.
All of the gold spouse coins have 26.49 mm diameters and thickness of 1.88 mm.
Customers may order any of the available First Spouse Coins at the United States Mint Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Bronze medal versions of these coins are also available from the Mint for $5.50.
For more information, to include biographical information on the former first lady, visit: Abigail Fillmore First Spouse Gold Coins.
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