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Headlines December, 2006 US first ladies preserved in gold
Headlines December, 2006 US first ladies preserved in gold
US first ladies preserved in gold
Wednesday 20th 2006f December, 2006
America's first ladies are being commemorated in style with the launch of a set of limited edition gold coins from the US Mint.
Beginning with Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, each of the first ladies from American history are honoured on a half-ounce gold coin which will accompany a new $1 coin being produced by the Mint as a tribute to the presidents.
The coins are due to be released in May next year in time for Mother's Day in the US, although each is expected to cost around $300.
For the five presidents who did not have a spouse while serving in the White House, several symbols will be used including Lady Liberty for Thomas Jefferson, which was taken from the half-cent coin in circulation at the time of his presidency in 1801.
Meanwhile, the Mint is hoping the new $1 coins will be a success, following the failure of two recent attempts to introduce gold coins in replacement of dollar bills.
The Susan B Anthony dollar in 1979 and the Sacagewea dollar in 2000 were both deemed failures after being unable to catch on with the American public.
Beginning with Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, each of the first ladies from American history are honoured on a half-ounce gold coin which will accompany a new $1 coin being produced by the Mint as a tribute to the presidents.
The coins are due to be released in May next year in time for Mother's Day in the US, although each is expected to cost around $300.
For the five presidents who did not have a spouse while serving in the White House, several symbols will be used including Lady Liberty for Thomas Jefferson, which was taken from the half-cent coin in circulation at the time of his presidency in 1801.
Meanwhile, the Mint is hoping the new $1 coins will be a success, following the failure of two recent attempts to introduce gold coins in replacement of dollar bills.
The Susan B Anthony dollar in 1979 and the Sacagewea dollar in 2000 were both deemed failures after being unable to catch on with the American public.
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