(2009) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Sarah Polk

Coin Details

Description

The Sarah Polk bronze medal recognizes a First Lady widely regarded as one of the most politically influential women to hold the role before the twentieth century. Sarah Childress Polk was exceptionally well educated for her era, having attended the Moravian Female Academy in Salem, North Carolina, and she served as her husband James K. Polk's closest political advisor throughout his career. The obverse, designed by Phebe Hemphill, portrays a woman whose intelligence and political acumen were acknowledged even by her husband's opponents. Sarah Polk managed her husband's correspondence, marked newspaper articles for his attention, and participated actively in policy discussions. The reverse, designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna, depicts Sarah Polk in a scene reflecting her role as political partner and confidante. A devout Presbyterian, she banned dancing, card playing, and hard liquor from the White House, though she made exceptions for wine at state dinners. After James K. Polk's death in 1849, just three months after leaving office, Sarah Polk lived for another forty-two years at their Nashville home, Polk Place, where she was visited by politicians and dignitaries from both sides of the Civil War. The medal is struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches.

Rarity Notes

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with open mintage during 2009. Readily available on the secondary market.

Cross References

PCGS #412480; companion to First Spouse Gold $10