WASHINGTON - Gold coins honoring first spouse Julia Tyler will be available for sale by the United States Mint at noon Eastern Time (ET) on August 6, 2009.  The one-half ounce 24-karat gold coin, struck at the United States Mint at West Point, will be available in proof and uncirculated conditions. 

The coin's obverse (heads side) bears a striking portrait of Mrs. Tyler.  Inscriptions on the obverse include IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 1844-1845, the period during which she served as first spouse.  The reverse (tails) depicts the President and Mrs. Tyler dancing together at a White House Ball.  Inscriptions on the reverse are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ. and .9999 FINE GOLD. 

The obverse and reverse of the Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin were designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.  A digital image of the coin is available at www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2009Spouse

The maximum mintage for the Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin is set at 40,000 units across both product options.  Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced within the total maximum mintage.  During the first week of sales, a limit of 10 coins per product option per household will be in effect.  The United States Mint will re-evaluate this household limit at the end of the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or lift it. 

Pricing for the Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin is based on the United States Mint's pricing structure for precious metals products.  The pricing structure is available online at   http://usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=goldplat

Bronze medals bearing a likeness of the Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin also will be available for $3.50 each.  There is no mintage or order limit for the 1 5/16-inch bronze medals.

The United States Mint will accept orders for the Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin at its secure Web site, www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders. 

Julia Gardiner Tyler was part of a well-known New York family.  Though she presided as first spouse for only eight months, the second Mrs. Tyler quickly made her mark.  Julia was popular in Washington society and used her considerable charm to promote her husband's political agenda, especially the annexation of Texas.  She is credited with starting the custom of playing James Sanderson's "Hail to the Chief" to announce the President's arrival on official occasions, a tradition that continues to this day. 

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 noon ET on August 6, 2009, 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.