Wednesday, 20th December 2006 (1478 views)

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.

 

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