WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced the new designs for the 2013 First Spouse Gold Coins. The five honorees this year are Ida McKinley, Edith Roosevelt, Helen Taft, Ellen Wilson, and Edith Wilson.
In addition to stunning portraits of the first spouses, the obverse (heads side) of each coin is inscribed with their names, the orders and years of their service as first spouse, the year of minting or issuance, IN GOD WE TRUST, and LIBERTY. Each coin’s reverse (tails side) features a unique design emblematic of that spouse’s life and work and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ., and .9999 FINE GOLD.
Ida McKinley First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble
- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill
- Reverse Designer: AIP Master Designer Donna Weaver
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Renata Gordon
- Design Description: Depicts two hands crocheting, representing Mrs. McKinley’s work crocheting thousands of slippers that were auctioned off for charity.
Edith Roosevelt First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz
- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna
- Reverse Designer: AIP Associate Designer Chris Costello
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart
- Design Description: Depicts the White House with a slightly off–center column and compass, representing Mrs. Roosevelt’s work in the restoration of the White House in 1902.
Helen Taft First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: AIP Associate Designer William C. Burgard
- Obverse Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill
- Reverse Designer: AIP Master Designer Richard Masters
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Charles Vickers
- Design Description: Depicts a branch of Japanese cherry blossoms, symbolizing Mrs. Taft’s instrumental role in bringing the cherry trees to Washington, D.C.
Ellen Wilson First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: AIP Associate Designer Frank Morris
- Obverse Sculptor: Charles Vickers
- Reverse Designer and Sculptor: Don Everhart
- Design Description: Depicts roses with the White House in the background, a tribute to Mrs. Wilson’s creation of the White House Rose Garden.
Edith Wilson First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: AIP Associate Designer David Westwood
- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Michael Gaudioso
- Reverse Designer and Sculptor: Joseph Menna
- Design Description: Depicts Mrs. Wilson supporting her husband, who had suffered a massive stroke. His right hand holds a cane, while her left hand rests warmly on his.
The first 2013 coin — honoring Ida Saxton McKinley — will be available in early fall. Specific release dates for all five coins will be posted to the United States Mint’s product schedule at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog once established.
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.