May 29th, 2008 — Coin News, Coin Series
Today the US Mint will release the next coin in the First Spouse Gold Coin Series, honoring Louisa Adams. This will mark the second release of 2008 for the series and the sixth coin release overall.
The coin will contain one-half ounce of 24 karat gold and is limited to 40,000 units. The maximum units will be divided between proof and uncirculated versions of the coin based on demand.
The front of the coin features a portrait of the First Lady designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. The back of the coin, designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna, features Louisa Adams with her son Charles on a journey across Europe to join her husband.
The Mint has priced the coins at $619.95 for the proof version and $599.95 for the uncirculated version. Ordering is initially limited to one per household per option.
April 30th, 2008 — Coin Series
The Elizabeth Monroe coin is the fifth release of the First Spouse Gold Coin Series. The series began in 2007 and will run until at least 2016.
The Monroe coin features a portrait of the First Lady on the obverse of the coin. The reverse shows her reopening the White House after its burning at the hands of the British.
Similar to prior coins in the series, the coin carries a $10 face value and contains one half ounce of 24 karat gold. Coins are offered in both proof and uncirculated versions. The maximum authorized mintage is 40,000 coins across both ordering options.
April 24th, 2008 — Coin Series
The Bald Eagle is an important symbol of America. This year a commemorative has been created in the Bald Eagle’s honor.
The purpose of the commemorative issue is threefold: to honor the recovery of the American Bald Eagle, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, and to recognize the importance as our national symbol.
The Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin Program comprises three coins. There is a $5 Gold coin which depicts young bald eagles in their habitat. There is a $1 Silver coin which depicts an eagle in flight. There is a 50c Clad coin which depicts baby eagles in their nest.
Coins are currently available in a variety of ordering options directly from the US Mint.
April 24th, 2008 — Coin News
A exciting new variety has recently been discovered for the 2008-W Silver Eagle Coin.
This variety is found on the “collectible version” of the 2008 Silver Eagle which is only available directly from the US Mint. These versions are different than the bullion versions because they carry the “W” mint mark to indicate the West Point Mint.
The variety has to do with the reverse design of the coin. The design was slightly changed from 2007 to 2008. Some 2008 coins bear the 2007 design and are being designated “Reverse of 2007.”
The easiest way to spot the 2008-W Silver Eagle with the Reverse of 2007 is by the letter “U” of “United States” on the reverse of the coin. Coins bearing the 2007 style reverse will have a bowl shaped “U.” Coins bearing the 2008 style reverse will have a spur at the bottom of the right side of the letter.
Prices for the variety seem to be going up quick so keep an eye out for these or check your coins carefully if you have any in your collection!
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.