United States 2016 Patricia Nixon First Spouse $10 Gold Coin

On February 18, 2016 the United States Mint issued the 2016 Patricia Nixon First Spouse 1/2 oz $10 Gold Coin. The coin is struck in .9999 gold and has a maximum authorized mintage of only 10,000 pieces across all ordering options. The coin was struck at the West Point Mint and carries the “W” mintmark. It comes in two finishes, Proof and Uncirculated.

The Patricia Nixon $10 Gold Coin is the first gold coin in the U.S. Mint’s First Spouse Gold Coin Program issued in 2016. First Spouse gold coins are issued in concert with the base-metal golden Presidential dollar series. The Patricia Nixon $10 Gold Coin is the 37th gold coin issued in the series.

Design

Obverse:
The obverse features a front-facing portrait of Mrs. Nixon designed by Richard Masters, an artist with the United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP). His initials “RAM” are found to the left of the portrait. The design was sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. His initials “DE” are located to the right of Mrs. Nixon.

The inscription PATRICIA NIXON encircles the top of the coin, while 37TH 1969-1974 is cradled by the curve of the coin at the bottom. IN GOD WE TRUST is placed on the left above Richard Masters’ initials, and LIBERTY, the year 2016, and the ‘W’ mint mark are found on the right.

Reverse:

Richard Masters also designed the reverse of the coin, which features the planet Earth surrounded by 13 iconic, stick-figure people holding hands. According to the U.S. Mint, this symbolizes her “commitment to volunteerism around the world”. The designer’s initials are at the seven o’clock position on the bottom of the coin.

Mint Engraver Jim Licaretz sculpted the design; his initials “JL” are found at the five o’clock position.

The coin’s inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ., and .9999 FINE GOLD.

Edge:

Like all of the coins in the 10-year First Spouse 1/2 oz Gold Coin series, the Patricia Nixon Gold Coin has a reeded edge.

Designers

Designer Richard Masters (View Designer’s Profile) joined the United States Mint as part of its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP).

Don Everhart joined the United States Mint sculpting and engraving department in 2004, after a long and successful career as a sculptor and designer of medals (View Designer’s Profile).

Engraver Jim Licaretz is a former president of the American Medallic Sculpture Association and has seen a number of his designs appear on U.S. coins and medals (View Designer’s Profile).

Coin Specifications