WASHINGTON — The United States Mint announced today the opening of sales for Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin on August 30 at 12:00 noon (ET). Orders for both the ½–ounce proof and uncirculated versions of the 24–karat gold coin will be limited to one per option, per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit after the first week, and either extend, adjust, or remove it. Mintage of Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coins is limited to 20,000 for each product option.
“This beautiful coin captures a classic image of Liberty from Jefferson’s time, connecting us to the history of our coinage and our Nation’s most precious value,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.
The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 contains a provision for the continuity of the First Spouse Coin Program in the event that a President served without a First Spouse. This provision applies to Thomas Jefferson, who had been widowed for 19 years when he became President. The obverse of Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin features a design emblematic of Liberty as it appeared on a United States coin issued during his time in office.
The image selected for the coin’s obverse appeared on the Draped Bust Half–Cent coin from 1800 to 1808. The design was originally executed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Robert Scot and re–sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions on the obverse include Jefferson’s years of service, the year “2007.” “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.”
Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin is the third coin released in the multi–year program. Designed by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Charles Vickers, the coin’s reverse (tails side) depicts Thomas Jefferson’s monument, located on the grounds of his Monticello estate. Inscribed on the coin is Jefferson’s epitaph, which he wrote near the end of his life: “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the declaration of American independence, of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom and father of the University of Virginia. Born April 2, 1743, O.S. Died July 4, 1826.” Additional inscriptions on the reverse include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 OZ.” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.”
To view or download an image of Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coins, please click here. http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2007Spouse.
To place an order for Thomas Jefferson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coins, visit the United States Mint’s secure web site at http://www.usmint.gov/ or call 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). The proof version will be priced at $429.95 and the uncirculated version will be priced at $410.95. Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coins, priced at $3.50, may also be ordered.
To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to the official on–sale date and time of August 30, 12:00 noon (ET) shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Answer ID #175.