Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coin & Bronze Medal Available September 1

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coin and Bronze Medal on September 1, 2011, at noon Eastern Time (ET).  Both proof and uncirculated versions of the 24-karat gold coin will be available.

The coin's obverse (heads side) was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.  The design features the likeness of Lucy Hayes with the inscriptions LUCY HAYES, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2011, 19th and 1877-1881.  The coin's reverse (tails side) was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Barbara Fox and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.  The design represents Lucy Hayes' participation in the first Easter Egg Roll held at the White House.  Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ. and .9999 FINE GOLD.

The Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coins have a maximum mintage of 15,000 across all product options.  The ratio of proof coins to uncirculated coins will be determined by customer demand within the total maximum issuance of 15,000.  Pricing for the gold coins is based on the United States Mint's pricing structure, available at http://usmint/gov/catalog.  Pricing of the 1-5/16" bronze medal, which bears a likeness of the gold coin, is set at $7.95 each.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may place their orders 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 September 1, 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.