Monday, May 21, 2012

Buchanan Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin – Proof

Buchanan Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin line art - click to enlarge (proof image not available at time of posting)

Buchanan Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin line art - click to enlarge (proof image not available at time of posting)

General Coin Information

The Buchanan Liberty First Spouse Gold Proof Coin is the fourth coin in the series to feature an image of the mythical character Liberty instead of an actual woman.

This is because the Presidential Coin Act of 2005 which authorized the series requires Liberty be used when the sitting President had no wife during his administration. In James Buchanan's case, this is especially true since he was a lifelong bachelor.

Each coin is struck from 1/2 ounce of .9999 fine gold (24-karat) and is issued with a face value of $10. The First Spouse coins come in two finishes, either uncirculated or proof at each design is limited to a maximum mintage of 40,000 across all product options.

Of note, while in office, Buchanan's niece Harriet Lane served as the official White House hostess.

The Buchanan Liberty coin is also available in an uncirculated version.

Obverse Design

As Buchanan never had a spouse, the coin honoring his Presidency includes a design of Liberty that would have appeared on a coin during his administration. In this case the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle that appeared from 1840-1907, originally designed by Christian Gobrecht. Also shown are the words "IN GOD WE TRUST", "LIBERTY", "2010", "15th Presidency" and "1857-1861".

Reverse Design

On the reverse we see a young Buchanan working as a bookkeeper in his family's small country store. Also shown are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", "$10", "1/2 OZ.", and ".9999 PURE GOLD".

Buchanan Coin Specifications

Mint: United States Mint
Mintmark: W
Finish/Condition: Proof
Metal Content: .9999 Fine Gold
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz (15.554g)
Diameter: 1.043 inches (26.49 mm)
Edge: Reeded
Issue Date: September 2010
Issue Price: based on gold price
Mintage Limit: 15,000(across all product options)
Face Value: $10
Obverse Designer/Sculptor: Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Designer/Sculptor:
David Westwood/Joseph Menna

Featured Presidential Spouse Coin Auctions

2009 Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
2009 Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
Paypal   US $1,500.00
2007 US Mint First Spouse Martha Washington $10 Gold NGC PROOF 70 Ultra Cameo
2007 US Mint First Spouse Martha Washington $10 Gold NGC PROOF 70 Ultra Cameo
Paypal   US $945.00
2008 Van Burens Liberty First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
2008 Van Burens Liberty First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
Paypal   US $900.00
2010 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE MARY LINCOLN gold Coin NGC PF 70 MS 70 2 COINS 1OZ
2010 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE MARY LINCOLN gold Coin NGC PF 70 MS 70 2 COINS 1OZ
Paypal   US $2,225.00
2010 W BUCHANAN LIBERTY SPOUSE GOLD $10 FIRST STRIKE PCGS MS70 UNCIRCULATED MS
2010 W BUCHANAN LIBERTY SPOUSE GOLD $10 FIRST STRIKE PCGS MS70 UNCIRCULATED MS
Paypal   US $1,299.99
2008 W $10 GOLD PIECE FIRST SPOUSE LOUISA ADAMS MS69 NGC low mintage of 4223
2008 W $10 GOLD PIECE FIRST SPOUSE LOUISA ADAMS MS69 NGC low mintage of 4223
Paypal   US $1,400.00
2010 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE 1 2 oz GOLD UNCIRCULATED BUCHANANS LIBERTY PCGS MS70 FS
2010 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE 1 2 oz GOLD UNCIRCULATED BUCHANANS LIBERTY PCGS MS70 FS
Paypal   US $1,299.00
Two 2 2010 James Buchanans Liberty First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
Two 2 2010 James Buchanans Liberty First Spouse Gold Proof Coin
Paypal   US $2,549.99
2011 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE 1 2 oz GOLD PROOF ELIZA JOHNSON PCGS PR69 FS
2011 W $10 FIRST SPOUSE 1 2 oz GOLD PROOF ELIZA JOHNSON PCGS PR69 FS
Paypal   US $1,199.00
2007 W $10 DOLLEY MADISON GOLD PROOF Eagle COIN First Spouse Series 1 2 OZ 9999
2007 W $10 DOLLEY MADISON GOLD PROOF Eagle COIN First Spouse Series 1 2 OZ 9999
Paypal   US $950.00
2007 Abigail Adams $10 NGC MS 70 First Spouse gold coin graded PERFECT
2007 Abigail Adams $10 NGC MS 70 First Spouse gold coin graded PERFECT
Paypal   US $1,195.00
2007 $10 ABIGAIL ADAMS FIRST SPOUSE GOLD 1 2 OZ 9999 FINE W BOX COA
2007 $10 ABIGAIL ADAMS FIRST SPOUSE GOLD 1 2 OZ 9999 FINE W BOX COA
Paypal   US $787.77

Buchanan Gold Coin Resources