The US Mint began taking orders today for the Margaret Taylor First Spouse Gold Coins. Available in either proof or uncirculated condition, the coins are struck from 1/2 ounce of 24-karat gold to a face value of $10.
Both strikes come encapsulated for protection and ship in a presentation case. An order limit of 10 per household per product option has been implemented by the Mint with an initial release price of $754 for the proof and $741 for the uncirculated.
Gold itself has been hanging above $1,200 an ounce on the markets for the last few days making it a definite possibility that the Mint will raise the price of these precious metal coins next week according to their pricing matrix. If the average London Fix for gold stays above that $1,200 mark, the First Spouse coins will increase in price to $779 and $766 for the proof and uncirculated, respectively. (For more information, see First Spouse Price Grid.)
Margaret Taylor Information
Margaret Taylor was married to Zachary Taylor for almost 40 years before he was elected as President of the United States.
Before meeting her future husband, Margaret led a life of leisure provided by the wealth of her family. Despite knowing the hardships she may have to endure, she married a young Zachary Taylor who had chosen the Army as his career.
Margaret joined her husband on most of his postings no matter the location or conditions. She always insisted on creating as normal a household as she could for the two of them, as well as their children.
During Zachary’s battle engagements, Margaret could be found aiding wounded soldiers.
Margaret opposed Zachary’s nomination and eventual election as President, but once in the White House, she ran the household for 16 months until Zachary passed away while still if office.
The coins honoring Margaret feature a portrait of her on the obverse designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers. The reverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Mary Beth Zeitz and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz, shows a younger Margaret providing comfort to a wounded soldier while her husband was engaged in the Seminole War.
These are the fifth coins of the series this year that started in 2007 and honor the former first ladies of the United States.
All of the gold Spouse coins are struck at the US Mint’s West Point facility, and bear the ‘W’ mintmark. The 26.49 mm diameter coins have a thickness of 1.88 mm.
Margaret Taylor coins may ordered directly on the United States Mint Web site:
The coins are also available via the Mint’s toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Bronze medal versions of these coins are also available from the Mint for $3.50.
For more information, to include biographical information on the former first lady, visit: Margaret Taylor First Spouse Gold Coins.
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