Celebrate an extraordinary woman with the 2009 $10 Sarah Polk First Spouse MS70. Sarah Polk was a woman ahead of her time, with an education that far exceeded most of her contemporaries. In fact, in the early 19th Century, Sarah was a rare beneficiary of a higher education. Sarah met her future husband James K. Polk when she was just 12 years old; they were both students of the same tutor. They began courting a few years later, and legend suggests that James proposed to Sarah at the behest of statesman Andrew Jackson.
Sarah put her learning to good use writing her husband's speeches, advising him on policy, assisting him on campaigns and working as his private secretary. During her time as First Spouse, Sarah also masterminded some changes at the White House. For Sarah opened the White House twice a week to visitors, ensuring she was there to greet them. She also engaged the Marine Corps Band to play once a week in the grounds for onlookers. Moreover, not only did she do a great deal to support her husband's political career, but she also showed great charity, raising first a nephew and then a niece during the course of her life.
This bullion coin is one of a series that commemorate the first spouses of the Presidents of the United States, issued by The United States Mint and struck at their West Point facility. Each coin weighs half an ounce of 24 karat gold and has a $10 face value. The coins have been issued in the order in which the subjects served as first spouses, so this coin, the 2009 $10 Sarah Polk First Spouse MS70, is the 12th issued in the series.
The obverse design shows an attractive portrait of Sarah Polk by Phebe Hemphill, who has worked on a number of coins in the series, as well as numerous other coins and medals. The obverse inscriptions include SARAH POLK which curves around the top of the obverse design. IN GOD WE TRUST is placed to the left of the portrait, while LIBERTY, plus the year of issue (2009) and the mint mark for West Point (W) are all positioned to the right of the portrait. Curving around the base of the obverse design is information denoting that Sarah served as First Lady for the 11th President and their years in office together: 1845-1849.
The reverse design shows a charming scene in which Sarah is at work as her husband's private secretary, designed again by Phebe Hemphill. It a rare inclusion in the series, as it shows the President and first spouse together, rather than the latter alone. The reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM, taken from the great seal of the United States, which means "out of many, one." The face value of $10, the weight of 1/2 OZ and the purity of the gold, in this case, .9999 FINE GOLD, are also all inscribed on the reverse side.
This official bullion coin, measures 1.041 inches (26.49 mm), with a thickness of 0.074 inches (1.88 mm) and is struck in 24 Karat gold or .9999 Fine Gold, weighing 0.5 Troy oz or 15.554 grams. What's that? People say. Behind every great man is an even greater woman. Well invest in this gold bullion and Sarah may even help you hedge against the uncertainties of the stock market. Diversify your investment portfolio today.
Overview of the 2009 $10 Sarah Polk First Spouse MS70
- Metal: gold
- Purity: 24 karat
- Weight: ½ oz
- Mint: U.S Mint / West Point
- Face value: $10
- Condition: MS70
- Year of Issue: 2009
