Today, July 10, 2014, the United States Mint started accepting orders for proof and uncirculated Florence Harding First Spouse Gold Coins.
Shown on obverses and reverses of the $10 gold pieces are designs honoring Florence, wife of the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding. These coins are the first of four to be issued this year as part of the First Spouse Gold Coins program that debuted in 2007.
Coins of the series commemorate spouses of the former Presidents of the United States in the order in which they served, are struck from one-half ounce of 99.99% fine gold, and are produced at the United States Mint facility in West Point. The complete list of 2014 First Spouse Gold Coins include:
- Florence Harding Gold Coins (released July 10)
- Grace Coolidge Gold Coins (scheduled for release on July 17)
- Lou Hoover Gold Coins (to be determined)
- Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Gold Coins (to be determined)
Designs of Florence Harding First Spouse Gold Coins
Two designs won out among nine candidate designs that included three obverses and six reverses.
United States Mint Artistic Infusion artist Thomas Cleveland created the portrait of Florence Harding that appears on obverses. The effigy was sculpted by sculptor-engraver Joseph Menna. Inscriptions around the portrait include FLORENCE HARDING, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2014, 29th and 1921 – 1923.
The reverse, designed by Cleveland as well and sculpted by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Don Everhart, offers images of a ballot box, ballets, camera, torch, and pen. The elements symbolize Mrs. Harding’s work with World War I veterans, her support for her husband’s campaign, and her distinction as the first First Lady to cast a vote for a presidential candidate.
Inscriptions around this design include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ. and.9999 FINE GOLD.
Prices, Mintages and Ordering
Starting prices for the Florence Harding Gold Coins are $865.00 for the proof and $845.00 for the uncirculated. Pricing is subject to change weekly as the U.S. Mint utilizes a pricing grid that ties gold coins to the latest average of the London gold Fix. Current prices are based on a gold average that is within $1,300.00 to $1,349.99 range.
A mintage limit of 10,000 is in place across all product options. Customer demand will determine the final mintage as well as the ratio of proof coins to uncirculated coins.
2013 Florence Harding First Spouse Gold Coins may be purchased directly from the United States Mint via its online catalog located here. Orders are also accepted by telephone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
First Spouse Gold Coins are encapsulated and shipped in a custom-designed, highly polished, dome-chested, lacquered hardwood presentation case. A certificate of authenticity is also included.
Florence Harding Bronze Medals
In addition to these First Spouse Gold Coins, the United States Mint also produces bronze medal replicas of them. The medals are sold as part of sets.
The Warren G. Harding $1 Coin & Florence Harding First Spouse Medal Set will include one of these medals along with a Warren Harding Presidential $1 Coin. The medal will also be available as part of the 2014 First Spouse Medal Set. This set includes bronze medal replicas of all four 2014 First Spouse Gold Coins. Release dates for the two sets are yet to be determined.
About Florence Harding
Florence Harding was born Florence Kling on August 15, 1860 in Marion, Ohio. The daughter of a banker, Florence received a good education as a child and studied classical piano with an intention to become a concert pianist.
She married her first husband Henry Atherton DeWolfe and gave birth to a son. Within two years, Henry abandoned Florence and their son. A divorce was granted in 1886.
Florence married Warren G. Harding on July 8, 1891. Warren owned the Marion Star newspaper but would eventually become the 29th President of the United States. While in the White House, it is believed that Florence exerted great influence on the policies of the day including the welfare of war veterans.
Order went thru fine at :10 seconds past the hour. They are draining the bank with two FS offerings plus the HOF which ordered in March but did not ship until colliding with Harding.
This coin is ample proof of why the First Spouse series will be one of the greatest series ever produced. There have never been as exquisite a series as these. Simply beautiful, out of reach financially to most collectors, making them a sure winner in the long run. Wow, what designs on this coin!!! Stupendous, US Mint folks.