Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin

WASHINGTON- She was instrumental in refurbishing the White House following its destruction during the War of 1812. The people of France-with whom she and her husband were popular-called her la belle Americaine. A mere visit from her to Madame Lafayette saved the imprisoned woman from the guillotine.

The Nation celebrates the life and work of this woman-Elizabeth Monroe-with the United States Mint’s release of a 24-karat gold coin on February 28 at noon (ET). The Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in 1/2-ounce proof and uncirculated versions offered at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

The obverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin bears a portrait designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions on the coin are “Elizabeth Monroe” and “1817-1825,” the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the obverse of the coin are “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and “2008.”

The coin’s reverse features a portrait of Elizabeth Monroe at a reception marking the 1818 reopening of the White House after it had been burned during the War of 1812. Inscriptions are “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.” and “.9999 Fine Gold.” The reverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.

To view or download an image of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin, go to: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2007Spouse

Customers who are interested in adding the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin to their collections may place their orders at the United States Mint’s secure web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders.

James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin - Individual Proof Coin™

WASHINGTON - Individual proof coins bearing the portrait of President James Monroe will be available for purchase at noon (ET) on February 28. Orders for the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin-Individual Proof CoinTM, priced at $5.95, will be limited to five units per household for the first week of sales. At the end of the initial order limit period, the United States Mint will reevaluate this limit and either extend, adjust or remove it. There is no mintage limit for this option.

The James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin - Individual Proof Coin bears the same image as the circulating coins. Unlike the coins produced for general circulation, however, the proof coins are struck multiple times with specially polished dies to create a brilliant, sharp relief and mirror-like background.

Each James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin - Individual Proof Coin is sealed in a protective, rotatable blister. The edge-incused inscriptions “2008,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and the “S” mint mark (for the United States Mint at San Francisco) are fully visible. The blister is mounted on an attractively designed pocket-sized card with statistical data about President Monroe to include the years he served as President, his dates of birth and death, his place of birth, his vice president, and his spouse’s name.

Customers can order the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin - Individual Proof Coin and other Presidential $1 Coin products at the United States Mint’s secure web site, www.usmint.gov, or by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to Noon ET, February 28 shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.

Contact: Press inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)