The United States Mint announced the new designs for the 2015 First Spouse Gold Coins today, March 16.
The four honorees this year are Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson. Coin design information is below.
Bess Truman First Spouse Gold Coin
- Obverse Designer: United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz
- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill
- Reverse Designer: AIP Designer Joel Iskowitz
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers
The reverse features a locomotive wheel moving along railroad tracks, representing Mrs. Truman’s support for her husband on his 1948 whistle stop campaign trip for re-election as president.
Mamie Eisenhower First Spouse Gold Coin
Obverse Designer: AIP Designer Richard Masters- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna
- Reverse Designer: AIP Designer Barbara Fox
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon
The reverse features a woman’s hand holding up a political campaign button with the slogan “I Like Mamie,” referring to Mrs. Eisenhower’s popularity as a first spouse, her involvement in her husband’s presidential campaigns, and the popular campaign slogan “I Like Ike.”
Jacqueline Kennedy First Spouse Gold Coin
Obverse Designer: AIP Designer Susan Gamble- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill
- Reverse Designer: AIP Designer Benjamin Sowards
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz
The reverse features the saucer magnolia Mrs. Kennedy chose to be planted in the White House garden and near the eternal flame at her husband’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery. The petals stretch across the globe, its tips connecting the points of some of her most notable diplomatic visits.
Lady Bird Johnson First Spouse Gold Coin
Obverse Designer: AIP Designer Linda Fox- Obverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso
- Reverse Designer: AIP Designer Chris Costello
- Reverse Sculptor: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon
The reverse depicts the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and flowers in reference to Mrs. Johnson’s efforts in the beautification and conservation of America, which began in Washington, D.C.
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The obverse (heads side) of each coin is inscribed with the first spouse’s name, her order and years of 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.”
Specific release dates for all five coins will be posted to the United States Mint’s product schedule at http://catalog.usmint.gov/product-schedule/ when available.
About the United States Mint
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 taxpayers.
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