Margaret Taylor First Spouse Gold Coin – Uncirculated

General Coin Information

Available December 3, 2009 from the US Mint is the Margaret Taylor First Spouse Gold Coin in uncirculated condition. It is the thirteenth coin in the successful 1/2 ounce 24-karat gold First Spouse series.

Despite knowing the hardships she would have to endure, Margaret chose to marry a young Army lieutenant named Zachary Taylor. She was used to the easy life her wealthy family could provide, but chose her love of Zachary over comfort.

As a career Army officer's wife, Margaret was known to be one of the best. She traveled with her husband from posting to posting, always setting up a household to the best of her abilities no matter the conditions. Sometimes, this meant setting up in a tent.

Zachary would prove to be an extremely capable officer and quickly received promotions, assuming more duties along the way. Margaret would not shirk her duties and besides being there for her husband, she was also known to comfort wounded soldiers after battle.

When the idea of Zachary becoming President was first announced, Margaret was strongly opposed to it. After nearly 40 years in the service of their country, she had hoped for a quiet retirement. Still, when he was elected, Margaret once again accepted to situation and set about the duties of a household in the White House. She managed control over most details, but delegated the ceremonial functions to her daughter.

A proof version of the Margaret Taylor coin is also available.

Obverse Design

Designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers, the obverse of Margaret's coin contains a portrait of her along with the words "MARGARET TAYLOR ", "IN GOD WE TRUST", "LIBERTY", "2009", "12th 1849-1850", and the mintmark "W".

Reverse Design

Showing Margaret providing comfort to a wounded soldier during the Seminole War, the reverse was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Mary Beth Zeitz and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz. Also shown are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", "$10", "1/2 OZ.", and ".9999 PURE GOLD".

Margaret Taylor Coin Specifications

Mint: United States Mint Mintmark: W Finish/Condition: Uncirculated Metal Content: .9999 Fine Gold Weight: 0.5000 troy oz (15.554g) Diameter: 1.043 inches (26.49 mm) Edge: Reeded Issue Date: 3 December 2009 Issue Price: based on gold price Mintage Limit: 40,000(across all product options) Face Value: $10 Obverse Designer/Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill/Charles Vickers Reverse Designer/Sculptor: Mary Beth Zeitz/Jim Licaretz

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Margaret Taylor Gold Coin Resources

• Mint Information Page
• Margaret Taylor Biography - WhiteHouse.gov