Available since Thursday, November 15, 2012, are Frances Cleveland First Spouse Gold Coins that are struck by the United States Mint to celebrate her service during Grover Cleveland’s first term as President of the United States. Mrs. Cleveland’s second term coins are expected to launch in late December.
The one-half ounce, 99.99% pure gold coins are available in both proof and uncirculated qualities.
These latest strikes are the second of four 2012-dated coins and they are twenty-third released overall as a part of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program. Making its debut in 2007, the program honors the First Ladies of former Presidents of the United States.
Designs of Cleveland (First Term) First Spouse Gold Coins
Shown on the obverse of the coin is a right-facing portrait of the First Lady. The portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions of "FRANCES CLEVELAND," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "LIBERTY," "2012," "22nd" and "1886-1889." The obverse portrait was created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.
The reverse depicts a scene from the life of Frances. It showcases an image emblematic of a working women’s reception. These events were held often and hosted by Mrs. Cleveland at the White House. Reverse inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "$10," " ½ OZ." and ".9999 FINE GOLD." AIP Master Designer Barbara Fox designed the reverse with sculpting completed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.
Delayed Release, Unique in Series of First Spouse Gold Coins
Typically, coins of the series are issued in intervals throughout the calendar year. However, the U.S. Mint experienced production problems with some of this year’s coins resulting in the delayed releases.
The inaugural coins of the year made their debut on October 11, 2012 when the Alice Paul Gold Coins were released. The third coins honoring First Lady Caroline Harrison are scheduled to launch on December 6, 2012. Second term Frances Cleveland coins will follow as the fourth 2012-dated release.
Ordering and Pricing Information
Sales of the proof gold coin start at $1,029 while the uncirculated gold coin is listed for $1,016. These are the same prices charged by the U.S. Mint for all of the other currently available coins in the series. Prices, however, are subject to change. The U.S. Mint monitors the precious metals market for averages and trends and may adjust coin prices accordingly.
2012 Frances Cleveland (First Term) Gold Coins are available on the U.S. Mint website located here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment can use the dedicated line at 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A $4.95 shipping and handling fee is added to all domestic orders.
Each coin comes packaged in a clear protective coin holder within a polished, custom-designed, lacquered hardwood presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is also included.
Mintages of First Spouse Gold Coins
A mintage cap of 13,000 has been set for the release across all product options. This mintage is the same as announced for the previous 2012 First Spouse Gold Coins but is lower than the 15,000 mintage cap in place on last year’s releases.
Frances Cleveland (First Term) Bronze Medals
Along with the gold coins, the U.S. Mint has traditionally offered bronze medal replicas of the First Spouse strike, but this year they are not sold separately.
On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, the U.S. Mint will offer the first term 2012 Grover Cleveland Presidential $1 Coin & Frances Cleveland First Spouse Medal Set. The uncirculated coin and bronze medal celebrate the couple’s service to the country. Packaging includes a colorful plastic card with their portraits and signatures as well as issuance information on the back of the card. Each set is $9.95.
Brief Frances Cleveland Biography
Frances Cleveland was born on July 21, 1864. Her future husband (and future President of the United States) Grover Cleveland was a close family friend. In fact, when her father passed away, Grover served as administrator to the estate.
When Frances was attending college, the two became romantically engaged. They married on June 2, 1886 at the White House after Grover Cleveland had already assumed office. They remained in the White House for one term, until Grover lost re-election. After a four year gap, the two would return to the White House as Cleveland won the next election to become the 24th President. As such, Grover Cleveland is the only President to serve two non-consecutive terms. The U.S. Mint is currently offering first term and second term Grover Cleveland Presidential $1 coin products.
