Washington, D.C — Director of the Mint Philip N. Diehl today announced that the Silver Dollar celebrating the life and achievements, and commemorating the 150th anniversary of the death of Dolley Madison, is now available from the Mint.
“We are proud to collaborate with TIFFANY &CO.®, and to assist the National Trust for Historic Preservation to recognize this great American woman renowned for her intelligence, fortitude and grace,” said Diehl.
The Mint in October began accepting advance orders for the coin in its annual catalog, the 1998 Holiday Collection. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the coin are authorized to be used by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to maintain Montpelier, James and Dolley Madison’s Virginia home.
As first lady during her husband’s two presidential terms, and serving as hostess during the first Jefferson administration, Dolley Madison brought competing factions together in a social setting, using her natural diplomatic talents to ease political tensions and pave the way for civil debate in the young Republic. She is credited with defining the role of first lady by establishing a style of ceremonial etiquette that did not yet exist. In addition, the first lady of the Nation’s fourth President, James Madison, was instrumental in organizing the rescue of important government papers, including Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, as the British burned the capital in 1814.
The obverse side of the coin carries a portrait of the young Dolley Madison, with her image framed by her favorite Cape Jasmine flowers and the Ice House Temple, which still stands on the grounds of her home at Montpelier today. The reverse side of the coin depicts a pastoral perspective of the mansion at Montpelier.
The Dolley Madison Commemorative Silver Dollar, is available at pre–issue discount prices of $33 for the proof coin, $30 for the uncirculated coin, and $59.95 for the proof and uncirculated Set, through February 8. After February 8, the proof coin is $37; the uncirculated coin $32; and the proof and uncirculated set $64.95. For information about how to order the Dolley Madison Silver Dollar, call 1–800–MINT–USA or visit the Mint’s website at www.usmint.gov.