Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coins launched today at noon. The coins mark the eleventh in a series honoring First Ladies of the United States.
Each coin is struck from 1/2 ounce of 24-karat gold from the United States Mint at West Point. Proof and uncirculated versions are available, with a maximum mintage of 40,000 across both options. The exact ratio of proof to uncirculated are determined by customer demand.
Julia was the second wife of President John Tyler. His first wife, Letitia, had passed away while he was in office. (The US Mint released Letitia Tyler Gold Coins in July.) Julia was 30 years younger than the President, but a romance started to blossom a few months after Letitia’s passing.
Their courtship was not a whirlwind one by any accounts, but was sped along due to tragedy. An accident aboard a ship killed Julia’s father, and while consoling her, John proposed marriage.
In June of 1844 the ceremony occurred, and Julia made every effort to assist her new husband in his political endeavors, most notable among them, the annexation of Texas. Julia used her charming ways to help win supporters to the cause, and President Tyler later gave great credit for the annexation to Julia.
Interestingly, Julia was also instrumental in the playing of James Sanderson’s song “Hail to the Chief” every time the President would arrive at official functions. This tradition continues today.
First Spouse Coin Design and Order Details
The gold coin honoring Julia contains a portrait of her on the obverse designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart. Also seen are the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 1844-1845 (the years she served as First Lady).
The reverse, also designed and sculpted by the Iskowitz/Everhart team, shows an image of Julia and President Tyler dancing together at a White House ball. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ. and .9999 FINE GOLD surround the dancing couple.
First Spouse Gold Coin Specifications offer additional information on the gold series and Julia Tyler coins.
Pricing for the gold coins is based on the US Mints Precious Metals Pricing Structure, which is determined by the market value of the gold the coins contain. That launch prices, however, are $629 and $616 for the proof and uncirculated options, respectively.
Orders for the new coins may be placed on the US Mint’s website: www.usmint.gov. (The Mint also has a page for the Julia Tyler products here.)
Additionally, customers may call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468).
During the first week of availability, a limit of 10 coins per product option per household will be in effect to insure product availability. This limit will be re-examined following the first week, and may be adjusted.
For those interested in the First Spouse series, but not the gold price tag, a 1 5/16 inch Julia Tyler bronze medal is also available from the Mint for $3.50 a piece. The standard shipping and handling fee of $4.95 is applied to all orders from the Mint.
