Archive for October, 2008

First Spouse Coins No Demand ?

First Spouse coins show not much of a demand in 2008 as coins has not been sold as the US mint expected. The first 4 coins in the series sold in the first few hours of the US mint putting up for sale and this year 2008 the next 4 coins comes out an some series has sold as little as 3500 coins out of a possible 20,000 coins. So was this to be expected ? Is it because the cost of the coins from the mint or just a cause of the worsen economical times we are facing right now ? The length of this program has probably made a lot of collectors look at the cost involved to get all the coins needed for a complete first spouse coins series. It is well noted however that the coin prices on E-bay has started to fall under $500 per coin which should be good news for collector. On these pages you should find the coins from E-bay under each first spouse making it easier to find good prices on the coin you are looking for. Its kind of a price comparison. I hope to bring much more news about the first spouse series as the years goes by.

Van Buren’s First Spouse

First Spouse Van Buren's Liberty in uncirculated version of the coin. This is the last coin to be released of 2008 and its our 8th first spouse. Again a portrait of a coin during Martin Van Buren's presidency.

The forum is open for question and thoughts about the first spouse coins and their collection value.

Martin Van Burens Liberty

Martin Van Buren''s liberty first spouse coin in Proof condition. Martin Van Buren did not have a wife during his presidency so a portrait from a coin during his presidency was used as his $10 gold first spouse coin.

Martin Van Buren’s Liberty First Spouse $10 Gold Coin

President, 1837–1841

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 contains a provision to provide continuity of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program during those times in which a president served without a first spouse.  This provision applies to Martin Van Buren, whose wife Hannah died in 1819.  Married in 1807, Van Buren was a widower for 18 years when he became president in 1837.

The Gold Coins issued to accompany any president who served without a spouse will each feature a design emblematic of Liberty on its obverse, as depicted on a United States coin issued during the President’s time in office.  For Martin Van Buren’s presidency, the selected image appeared on the Liberty Seated Dime coin from 1837–1891, and was originally executed by United States Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht.

Reverse Design

Born in New York in December of 1782, Martin Van Buren holds the distinction of being the first president to be born in a newly independent Nation.  His family operated a tavern in the town of Kinderhook, a primarily Dutch enclave located on the post road between New York City and Albany.  Here, young Martin was exposed to political ideology at an early age, as local and state politicians would often gather at the Van Buren establishment as they traveled between the two cities.

First Spouse Jacksons Liberty

First Spouse Andrew Jacksons liberty in uncirculated condition, this web site will keep track of population numbers of the coin and MS69 and MS70 numbers from PCGS and NGC.

First Spouse Gold Coins

		Picture Product Price Bids Time Left 2008 W Jackson's Liberty First Spouse Gold NGC MS70 $759.99 3d 21h 21m 2008 W JACKSON'S LIBERTY FIRST SPOUSE GOLD NGC MS 70 $899.00 8d 19h 25m 2008 JACKSON'S LIBERTY "First Strike" - PCGS MS 69 $635.00 24d 18h 58m
	View all 3 items on eBay disclaimer

First Spouse Dolley Madison

First Spouse Dolley Madison $10 Gold Coin

First Lady, 1809–1817

Here is the last of the 4 coins that was issued in 2007 in the first spouse series, again there is an uncirculated coin and a proof coin in the Dolley Madison first spouse series and as the other first spouse coins a total population number of 20,000 on any of the two coins.

Notes from the Mint:

Dolley Payne was born in North Carolina in 1768, though her parents returned the family to their home colony of Virginia when she was still an infant.  The woman who captivated Washington, DC, society, and is remembered as one of the most charming and entertaining First Ladies of her era, was raised in Philadelphia as a Quaker.

Dolley was a widow when she met Representative James Madison, co-author of the Federalist essays and often called the "Father of the Constitution."  The couple was married in 1794, and during her time in Washington, DC, while her husband served as Secretary of State, Dolley sometimes served as hostess in President Thomas Jefferson's White House.  She also served as First Lady during her husband's Presidency.

Reverse Design

In what was undoubtedly one of her most famous acts as First Lady, Dolley Madison was forced to flee the White House in advance of oncoming British troops in August 1814.  She was overseeing the preparation of an elaborate dinner for the President, a dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by British soldiers just prior to setting the mansion ablaze.  In an act of unmatched patriotism, Dolley Madison managed to save the Cabinet papers and the beautiful Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, which was hanging in the State Dining Room at the time.  Thanks to her heroic efforts, this magnificent portrait of our first President is still enjoyed by visitors to the White House, where the portrait she saved still hangs today

Martha Washington First Spouse BU Gold Coin