United States Mint to Release Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coin and Bronze Medal June 23

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that it will begin accepting orders for the Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coin and Bronze Medal on June 23, 2011, at noon Eastern Time (ET). 

The obverse (heads side) of the 24-karat gold coin was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.  The design features the likeness of Grant and the inscriptions JULIA GRANT, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 18th and 1869-1877.  The reverse (tails side) of the coin was designed by United States Mint AIP Master Designer Richard Masters and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers.  The design captures the courtship of a young Julia Dent and future Civil War general and president, Ulysses S. Grant, then a West Point cadet, horseback riding at her family's plantation, White Haven.  Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, ½ OZ. and .9999 FINE GOLD. 

Maximum mintage is set at 15,000 coins across both proof and uncirculated quality product options.  Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof coins to uncirculated coins produced within the total maximum issuance of 15,000 coins.   There is no household order limit for the coin. 

Pricing for the gold coins will be based on the United States Mint's pricing structure for precious metals, available at http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/GoldCoinGrid.pdf.  The 1-5/16" bronze medals, which bear a likeness of the gold coin, will be available for $7.95 each.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders. 

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of June 23, 2011, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.  For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.