Akron, Ohio – At the National First Ladies’ Library, the unveiling of the first four coins in the First Spouse Coin series marked the first time in more than a century that the image of a first lady has appeared on U.S currency. The image of Martha Washington was on a $1 silver certificate note in 1886.
“I can’t think of a better venue to unveil our First Spouse Coins,” said Mary Regula, who spearheaded the drive to create the National First Ladies’ Library and museum in 1998.
Martha Washington, Dolley Madison and Abigail Adams are on the front of three of the coins. An image of a historical event associated with each of their lives is depicted on the back. The fourth coin is different because Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha, never was a first lady. She died in 1782, and Jefferson become president in 1801.
The image of Lady Liberty from a half-cent coin that circulated from 1800 to 1809 graces the front of the fourth coin. A monument on the grounds of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home, is featured on the back.
U.S. Mint Director Edmund C. Moy said the half-ounce gold coins will be available Mother’s Day week in May and will be priced according to the market. Gold was priced at $625 an ounce Tuesday.
