Released on June 25, 2015, the Jacqueline Kennedy First Spouse $10 Gold Coin is part of the First Spouse Gold Coin Program, a series that honors the spouses of U.S. Presidents. This coin was produced at the West Point Mint (marked by the “W” mintmark) and is made of .9999 fine gold (99.99% pure). Each coin weighs half an ounce and is available in two finishes: Proof and Uncirculated. With a total mintage limit of 30,000 coins, it’s a sought-after item for collectors.
Design Details
Obverse (Front):
The front side of the coin features a beautiful portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy, designed by the late Susan Gamble, a well-known U.S. coin designer. It depicts Mrs. Kennedy wearing her famous three-tiered pearl necklace, which was once sold for a whopping $211,500 at a Sotheby’s auction. Her hairstyle is carefully crafted, giving a true representation of the former First Lady’s elegant appearance.
Around the portrait, several important inscriptions can be found:
- JACQUELINE KENNEDY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- The year 2015
- The dates 1961-1963, representing her time as First Lady during John F. Kennedy’s presidency.
This design also includes the initials of the artists involved. Gamble’s initials (SG) are located near Mrs. Kennedy’s shoulder, and Phebe Hemphill, the artist who sculpted the design for the coin, has her initials (PH) on the opposite side.
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Reverse (Back):
The back of the coin was designed by Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. It showcases a saucer magnolia flower, one of Mrs. Kennedy’s favorite plants. This flower has a strong connection to the White House, where Jacqueline Kennedy had them planted in the East Garden. After President Kennedy’s assassination, Mrs. Kennedy also had these flowers placed around his memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The design also includes a map of the world, with the magnolia’s petals symbolizing Mrs. Kennedy’s significant diplomatic visits abroad.
The reverse also contains the following inscriptions:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM (Latin for “Out of many, one”)
- $10, representing the coin’s value.
- 1/2 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD, indicating the coin’s weight and purity.
Collecting and Market Value
For collectors, condition is key when determining a coin’s value. The highest grade a coin can receive is MS70, which indicates a flawless coin under magnification. As of October 2024, here’s a snapshot of the market for the 2015-W Jacqueline Kennedy coin:
- PCGS MS70: 1,599 coins are graded as MS70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
- NGC MS70: 829 coins received this top grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
Several of these coins have fetched impressive prices at auctions. For example:
- In March 2023, a PCGS MS70 coin sold for $1,320 at a Heritage Auction.
- A similar coin with a First Day of Issue label brought $990 at an auction in November 2020.
How to Identify the Coin
When examining the 2015-W Jacqueline Kennedy Gold Coin, be sure to look for these specific details:
- The “W” mintmark, indicating it was minted at West Point.
- A reeded edge, which gives the coin its distinct grooved texture.
- The unique design elements, such as Mrs. Kennedy’s portrait on the front and the magnolia flower on the back.
Designers Behind the Coin
This coin is a testament to the talented artists who brought it to life:
- Susan Gamble (1957-2015): Before her death, she designed numerous coins for the U.S. Mint, including the Jacqueline Kennedy coin, her eighth contribution to the First Spouse program.
- Phebe Hemphill: Known for her prolific work since joining the Mint in 2006, Hemphill sculpted the design based on Gamble’s original artwork.
- Benjamin Sowards: His illustration skills shine in the reverse design of this coin. Sowards is known for his work on the Leven Thumps young adult book series and is a professor at Southern Utah University.
- Jim Licaretz: A former president of the American Medallic Sculpture Association, Licaretz has left his mark on many U.S. coins and medals.
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Conclusion
The 2015-W Jacqueline Kennedy $10 Gold Coin is a must-have for collectors interested in U.S. history and gold coins. With its limited mintage, stunning design, and connection to one of America’s most beloved First Ladies, it’s a coin that carries both historical and financial value.