(2008) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Jackson's Liberty

Coin Details

Description

Andrew Jackson's wife Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson died on December 22, 1828, just weeks after his election and before his March 1829 inauguration, making her the second spouse honored through an allegorical Liberty design rather than a personal portrait. The obverse features a depiction of Liberty designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Don Everhart, rendered in the artistic style appropriate to the Jacksonian era of the late 1820s and 1830s. The Liberty figure reflects the numismatic conventions of Jackson's presidency, when the Capped Bust design by William Kneass adorned American silver coinage. The reverse design, by Don Everhart, references the concept of American liberty during an era of expanding democratic participation, as Jackson's presidency is widely associated with the broadening of suffrage to include all white male citizens regardless of property ownership. Rachel Jackson's death was attributed in part to the emotional toll of vicious personal attacks during the 1828 campaign, and Jackson blamed his political opponents for her death throughout the remainder of his life. The bronze medal is struck at 1-5/16 inches and reproduces the allegorical designs of the companion gold coin.

Rarity Notes

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint with open mintage. The Liberty allegory medals are generally available without difficulty on the secondary market.

Cross References

PCGS #403230; companion to First Spouse Gold $10