2009-W United States $10 Julia Tyler First Spouse/First Lady 1/2 oz Proof Gold Coin w/Box & COA

2009-W United States $10 Julia Tyler First Spouse/First Lady 1/2 oz Proof Gold Coin w/Box & COA

10th First Lady, 1844–1845

The young and vivacious Julia Gardiner Tyler took Washington by storm with her wedding to widower President John Tyler on June 26, 1844. Although she was First Lady for only eight months, she quickly made her mark. James Sanderson’s song “Hail to the Chief” had previously been played in various settings to honor American Presidents, but Julia Tyler was the first presidential spouse to request that it be played specifically to announce the President’s arrival on official occasions. It’s a tradition that continues to this day.

Julia Tyler worked hard to support her husband’s political agenda, especially for the annexation of Texas. Julia used her considerable charm to persuade Members of Congress, a Supreme Court justice and cabinet members to support the cause. After Congress voted in favor of annexation and the President signed the resolution, he handed the gold pen he used to Julia in honor of her efforts. She proudly attached the pen to her necklace and wore it on formal occasions afterwards.

Design

Julia Tyler introduced the polka at a White House social event, making it a national craze. The reverse depicts President and Mrs. Tyler together at a White House Ball.

Obverse Inscriptions:
JULIA TYLER, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2009, 10th, 1844–1845

Reverse Inscriptions:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ., .9999 FINE GOLD

Mint and Mint Mark:
W - West Point

Packaging

2009-W United States $10 Julia Tyler First Spouse/Lady 1/2 oz Proof Gold Coin comes encapsulated in presentation box, Certificate of Authenticity, velvet cloth, hard cover booklet, custom box and sleeve.

Specifications

Mintage: 4,830
Face value: $10
Composition: .9999 (24k) fine gold 
Diameter: 26.49 mm
Weight: 15.554 g (0.5000 troy oz)  
Mint Mark: W - West Point
Condition: Business Strike