The idea of a four-coin set of proof First Spouse half-ounce gold coins is dead. In its place, the U.S. Mint will begin selling the coins individually beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time June 19.
The Martha Washington and Abigail Adams will go on sale simultaneously.
Price will be $429.95 each. The uncirculated versions will commence sales with a price of $410.95.
Maximum mintage for each design this year is 40,000, which can be any combination of proof and uncirculated coins that totals that amount.
Gloria Eskridge, associate director of sales and marketing for the U.S. Mint, said the Mint was concerned with the fairness issue of possibly making collectors buy a four-coin set when all they want is just one of the coins.
There will be an order limitation of five coins each per household.
Bronze medal duplicates will also commence sales June 19.
The next coins in the sequence will be a Liberty design for Thomas Jefferson, who was a widower when he was President. This will be sold starting Aug. 16. The Dolley Madison coin will be sold beginning Nov. 15.
Anyone enrolled in the subscription program for the four-coin set will be notified of the change and not be billed.
The Martha Washington coin will remain on sale until sold out or until the first coin of 2008 is ready. Abigail Adams will stay on sale until sold out or until the second design of 2008 goes on sale.
A special four-coin presentation box will go on sale later this year.
