WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for Andrew Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Coin on August 28 at noon Eastern Time. The 24–karat gold coins will be available in 1/2–ounce proof and uncirculated versions priced at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.
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 spouse. The provision calls for a gold coin to be issued bearing an obverse design emblematic of Liberty as represented on a United States coin issued during the President’s period of service and a reverse image emblematic of themes of that President. This provision applies to Andrew Jackson, who was widowed shortly before he took office.
The image selected for the obverse of the Andrew Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin is a reproduction of the Capped Bust, Lettered Edge Half–Dollar minted from 1807 to 1836. The image was designed by United States Mint Engraver John Reich (1768–1833). Inscriptions on the obverse are “In God We Trust,” “2008” and “1829–1837,” the years Jackson served as President.
The reverse of Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin is emblazoned with an image of “Old Hickory,” a war hero who led a force of approximately 4,000 troops against the British Army at the battle of New Orleans. The coin was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Justin Kunz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions on the reverse are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 OZ.” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.”
To view or download an image of the Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin, go to: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2008Spouse.
Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.
Orders for Andrew Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to 10 per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.
The United States Mint will accept orders for the Jackson’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin and Medal at www.usmint.gov, or at the United States Mint’s toll–free number, 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on–sale date and time of noon Eastern Time August 28, 2008, shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.