Each coin will have a unique reverse design, emblematic of the First Lady's life and work or accomplishments during her husband's presidency.
The First Spouse coins of 2009 were unveiled by the Mint on Dec 23, 2008. The 2009 First Spouse coinage commemorates Anna Harrison, Letitia Tyler, Julia Tyler, Sarah Polk, and Margaret Taylor. There are two Mrs. Tylers. President John Tyler remarried in 1844, a couple of years after his first wife, Letitia, died.
The 2009 First Spouse coins will be issued one at a time throughout the year, spaced apart by several months.The release date for each coin will be announced by the Mint a few days or weeks prior to when the coin goes on sale.
First Spouse gold coinage will be produced continuously until at least 2016. The known release schedule is listed toward the bottom of this page.
The First Spouse coins measure about 1.043 inches in diameter, and must be struck in both Proof and Uncirculated versions. In addition, lower cost bronze medal duplicates measuring 1.3125 inches are being produced.
When a President served without a First Spouse, such as Andrew Jackson, a substitute coin will be minted. The obverse will bear an image of Liberty as seen on circulating coinage of that era, and the reverse will depict a theme reminiscent of that President.
The Mint is limiting the maximum number of each of the first four designs to 40,000, for Proof and Uncirculated formats combined. The percentage breakdown of Proof compared to Uncirculated will be driven by collector demand. All coin images below are courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
Martha Washington was the first First Lady of the United States. The reverse design depicts her sewing a button onto her husband's uniform jacket. Martha Washington's concern for the colonial soldiers earned lasting respect and admiration.
In one of her most important letters, Abigail Adams requested that her husband "remember the ladies" when creating the new country. John Adams stated that Abigail was sharp politically and valued her counsel above any of his colleagues.
Thomas Jefferson's wife died in 1782, so there was no First Lady during his administration. The obverse features Liberty as she appeared on the Half Cent coin of 1800-1808. The reverse shows his burial place and epitaph.
We today can thank Dolley Madison for saving the inspiring Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington. As British troops advanced toward the White House during the War of 1812, she got the portrait to safety before the building was torched.
On Jan 1, 1818, Elizabeth and James Monroe held a reception to reopen the White House, rebuilt after its burning in 1814. Mrs. Monroe brought a sense of formality to the White House, donating her own furniture. Nine pieces remain in the WH today.
Louisa Adams was a talented musician, linguist, and author. She wrote a play Suspicion, or Persecuted Innocence while she lived in the White House, in which she stressed the strengths of women. She was the first First Lady to write her memoirs.
Andrew Jackson's wife Rachel died after he won the Nov 1828 election, but before taking office. The obverse has Miss Liberty of the Capped Bust Half Dollar of 1807–1836. The reverse remembers Jackson as “Old Hickory,” a hero from the War of 1812.
Martin Van Buren was a widower when he became president. His wife Hannah died in 1819. The image selected to represent Miss Liberty is her appearance on the Seated Liberty Dime of 1837–1891. The reverse shows young Martin reading outside the family tavern in Kinderhook, NY.
Anna Harrison was too ill to travel from Ohio to Washington DC with her husband, and never served as First Lady in any capacity. The reverse shows Mrs. Harrison teaching children, a calling which she deeply cherished.
Letitia Tyler suffered a severe stroke two years before her husband took office, and could not perform the role of First Lady. She died in 1842. The reverse shows Mrs. Tyler with her children at Cedar Grove Plantation, where she married John Tyler in 1813.
President Tyler married Julia Gardiner in a quiet ceremony on June 26, 1844. The new Mrs. Tyler eagerly took on the duties of First Lady. The reverse has Julia Tyler dancing with her husband at a White House ball.
Sarah Polk was one of her husband's most important assistants during his presidency. She helped write his speeches, handled his letters, and offered advice. President and Mrs. Polk are seen working together in the White House on the coin's reverse.
By the time her husband became president, Margaret Taylor was in poor health. Preferring seclusion, she let her daughter, Betty, act as official hostess for White House events. The reverse shows Mrs. Taylor caring for a wounded soldier in the Seminole War of 1835 to 1842.
