Available at noon ET today, Dec. 16, 2013, are Edith Wilson First Spouse Gold Coins, the last of five releases this year and the 30th overall in the United States Mint’s 24-karat gold series.
On their obverses and reverses are designs honoring Edith Wilson, the second wife of Woodrow Wilson who was the 28th President of the United States.
Coins of the program are struck at the West Point Mint in uncirculated and proof qualities, denominated in $10, and composed of one-half ounce of .9999 fine gold. They commemorate spouses of former Presidents of the United States. The five 2013 First Spouse Gold Coins honor:
- Ida McKinley (released Nov. 14, 2013)
- Edith Roosevelt (released Nov. 21, 2013)
- Helen Taft (released Dec. 2, 2013)
- Ellen Wilson (released Dec. 9, 2013)
- Edith Wilson
See all 2013 coin designs or next year’s design candidates.
Introduced in 2007, the spousal program is scheduled to continue until at least 2016. Typically, the coins are issued in intervals throughout the year. However, a production issue known as "finning" delayed this year’s strikes and resulted in the compressed schedule.
Designs of Edith Wilson First Spouse Gold Coins
A forward-facing portrait of Edith Wilson appears on the obverse of the gold coin. The effigy is by AIP Associate Designer David Westwood with sculpting completed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.
Inscriptions surrounding the portrait include EDITH WILSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, a ‘W’ mint mark for the U.S. Mint at West Point and 28TH with 1915-1921 representative of her years as First Lady. Flanking her portrait are the artist’s and sculptor’s initials.
Designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna, the reverse symbolizes Edith’s support of her husband after his stroke. His hand is depicted resting on a cane with Edith’s resting gently on top.
Inscriptions around the design include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10 and 1/2 OZ. 9999 FINE GOLD.
Prices, Mintages and Ordering
Pricing for the Edith Wilson First Spouse Gold Coins are $815 for the proof and $795 for the uncirculated. These prices may change based on market fluctuations as the U.S. Mint utilizes a pricing matrix that ties gold coins to the latest weekly average of the London gold Fix.
Mintages for this year’s designs are held at 10,000 each with demand determining the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins.
Orders for Edith Wilson First Spouse Gold Coins may be made on the Mint’s online ordering page, located here. They are also accepted by telephone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Each coin will arrive encapsulated and presented inside a lacquered hardwood display case. A Certificate of Authenticity is also included.
Edith Wilson Bronze Medals
Bronze medal replicas of the gold coins are also produced by the United States Mint.
The Woodrow Wilson $1 Coin & Edith Wilson First Spouse Medal Set includes one of these medals and will be released this Thursday, Dec. 19, for $9.95.
The 2013 First Spouse Bronze Medal Set also makes it debut today and includes a bronze medal replica of all five 2013 First Spouse Gold Coins. It is available for $16.95.
About Edith Wilson
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was born on Oct. 15, 1872 in Wytheville, Virginia. She married her first husband, Norman Galt, in 1896. He passed away twelve years later.
In an arrangement of mutual friends, Edith met President Woodrow Wilson in 1915. He had recently lost Ellen, his first wife. After a short courtship, Edith and Woodrow married on December 18, 1915.
She is most notably remembered for her support of Woodrow after he suffered a stroke.
