May 23rd, 2008 — Coin Series
In 2007, The US Mint announced that it would be issuing a special 10th Anniversary Platinum Eagle Set. This set followed the hugely popular 20th Anniversary Sets issued for the Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle.
The set contains two coins:
- 2007 One-Half Ounce Proof Platinum Eagle
- 2007 One-Half Ounce Reverse Proof Platinum Eagle
The proof coin features the modern cameo proof finish with frosted raised elements and a mirrored background. The reverse proof coin features the opposite, mirrored raised elements and a frosted background.
The set has a maximum production of 30,000 sets and initially had an ordering limit of one per household.
To date, there have been 17,895 sets sold. The initial price of the set was recently adjusted upwards due to the rising market price of platinum. The set remains available directly from the US Mint.
May 9th, 2008 — Coin Series
The Dolley Madison coin was the fourth release of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program. The series is currently awaiting the release of the sixth coin on May 29, 2008.
The Madison coin features her portrait on the front of the coin. The reverse shows her most famous act of heroism while serving as First Lady. She saved the White House cabinet papers and the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington just before oncoming British Troops burned Washington DC in the War of 1812.
Like all coins in the series, this one has a $10 face value and contains one half ounce of 24k gold. Coins are available in both proof and uncirculated versions. The maximum authorized mintage is 20,000 coins each for proof and uncirculated versions.
April 22nd, 2008 — Coin Series
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in north America. To commemorate its 400th Anniversary in 2007, the US Mint issued commemorative coins.
The program included a $5 Gold Jamestown Commemorative. This coin features Captain John Smith greeting a Native American on the obverse. The reverse shows the Jamestown Memorial Church, the only remaining original structure of the colony.
The $1 Silver Jamestown Commemorative features Three Faces of Diversity, representing the three cultures that came together at Jamestown. The reverse features the three ships that brought settlers to the colony.
April 15th, 2008 — Coin Series
First Spouse Gold Coins are being issued by the US Mint to honor the First Ladies of the United States of America. The series will run in conjunction with the Presidential Dollar series so that as coins are issued to honor the presidents, corresponding coins are released to honor their spouses.
The coins are minted in 24 karat gold and contain 1/2 ounce of .9999 fine gold. The obverse of each coin features a portrait of the spouse. The reverse features a unique design which is meant to be representative of the spouse’s work and life. All coins are engraved with “The United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.” and “.9999 Fine Gold.”
If any president held office and did not have a spouse, the gold coin will bear the Liberty image as used on coins circulating during the era of service. So far, the Thomas Jefferson coin has used such an image.
Coins are expected to be issued at a rate of four per year. The First Spouse Gold Coin Release Schedule is currently slated to run until at least 2016.