WASHINGTON — Collectors may begin ordering James Buchanan’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin at noon Eastern Time on September 2, 2010. The one–half ounce 24–karat gold coin, struck at the United States Mint at West Point, will be available in proof and uncirculated qualities.
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. President James Buchanan never married.
The obverse design of James Buchanan’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin features a reproduction of the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle designed by Christian Gobrecht minted and issued from 1840 to 1907.
The coin’s reverse depicts President Buchanan as a young man working as a bookkeeper in his family’s small country store. The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer David Westwood and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna.
Mintage for the James Buchanan’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coins is limited to 15,000 across all product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof coins to uncirculated coins produced.
Pricing for the coins will be based on the United States Mint’s pricing structure for precious metals products. For current pricing information, visit http://catalog.usmint.gov/faqs-top-questions/payment-processing-charges-pricing.html. The bronze medals, which bear a likeness of the gold coin, will also be available for $5.50 each.
Orders will be accepted at the United States Mint’s Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at the toll–free number, 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468). An additional fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.
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 September 2, 2010, at 12 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, Answer ID #175.