The US Mint on Thursday launched the 2009 Letitia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coins. The 24-karat, $10 denominated commemoratives are available in two options — proof for the price of $629 and uncirculated for $616. A bronze medal bearing a likeness of the gold coins is also available for $3.50.
The coins are the tenth in a series and the second issued in 2009 to honor American First Ladies.
Having suffered a stroke two years prior to her husband becoming President in 1841 (due to the death of President William Henry Harrison), Letitia Tyler assumed all but the ceremonial duties of First Lady — at least for a short several months. Letitia suffered another stroke in 1842, and passed away peacefully on September 10 at the age of 51.
Letitia’s death would mark the first time a President’s wife would die while he was still in office. John Tyler would marry again as President. His second wife, Julia Tyler, will be honored with gold coins later this summer.
Letitia Tyler coin specifications, order details
The obverse, or heads side of each coin features a portrait of Letitia Tyler designed and sculpted by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The reverse, or tails side depicts Tyler and her two oldest children behind their Cedar Grove Plantation, where she and John were married in 1813. It was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and executed by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Norman E. Nemeth.
Each coin was struck at the Mint in West Point, and features the "W" mint mark denoting such. The coins are composed of .9999 fine gold, weigh one-half ounce, have a diameter of 26.49 mm and a thickness of 1.88 mm. Mintage limits are set at 40,000 across both options.
The coins may be ordered from the US Mint’s online store located at:
The coins are also available by calling the Mint’s toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-321-MINT (6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).
For more information on the coin series, to include biographical information on the First Ladies, visit the CoinNews sister site at First Spouse Coins, or http://www.firstspousecoins.us.
