The United States Mint is now accepting orders for its set of three bronze medals that feature former First Ladies Patricia Nixon, Betty Ford, and Nancy Reagan.
Each medal obverse (heads side) offers a portrait of the honored first lady with a portrayal of a scene that is symbolic of her life on the reverse. These designs were introduced earlier on 2016-W $10 First Spouse Gold Coins. The medals have a 1 5/16-inch diameter and are somewhat larger than the .9999 fine gold coins, and they are produced at the Philadelphia Mint from 90% copper and 10% zinc.
Below are brief design information and U.S. Mint images of the medals, along with links to CoinNews articles about their sister 24-karat gold coins.
Pat Nixon’s commitment to volunteerism is symbolized on the reverse with stylized figures standing hand in hand around a globe.
| Obverse Designer: Richard Masters Engraver: Don Everhart |
Reverse Designer: Richard Masters Engraver: Jim Licaretz |
Reverses feature a young woman ascending a staircase, representing Mrs. Ford’s openness and advocacy regarding addiction, breast cancer awareness, and the rights of women.
| Obverse Designer: Barbara Fox Engraver: Michael Gaudioso |
Reverse Designer: Chris Costello Engraver: Renata Gordon |
The reverse design show Mrs. Reagan with her arms around two children during her anti-drug campaign to "just say no."
| Obverse Designer: Benjamin Sowards Engraver: Joseph Menna |
Reverse Designer: Joel Iskowitz Engraver: Don Everhart |
Ordering
Priced at $16.95, this year’s First Spouse Bronze Medal Set is available from the U.S. Mint’s online sales page, right here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). There are no household ordering limits.
The U.S. Mint is still selling the set from 2011, but those from 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 have sold out.
