(2010) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Abigail Fillmore

Coin Details

Description

The Abigail Fillmore bronze medal honors a woman who established the first permanent library in the White House and was the first First Lady known to have held a paying job before her marriage. Abigail Powers met Millard Fillmore when he was her student at the New Hope Academy in New York, and she continued teaching after their 1826 marriage until his growing political career required her presence in Albany and later Washington. The obverse, designed by Phebe Hemphill, depicts a woman whose intellectual curiosity drove her to create the White House's first collection of books, using a congressional appropriation she personally requested. Before Abigail Fillmore, the White House had no permanent library, and she transformed a large upstairs room into a reading room that subsequent administrations would expand. The reverse, designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna, portrays Abigail Fillmore surrounded by books, capturing her dedication to learning and literacy. Her health deteriorated during her time in Washington, and she caught a severe cold at the outdoor inauguration of Franklin Pierce on March 4, 1853, dying just twenty-six days later. Struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches, this medal is part of the 2010 quartet that also includes Jane Pierce, Buchanan's Liberty, and Mary Lincoln.

Rarity Notes

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during 2010 with open mintage. Available on the secondary market without significant premium above issue price.

Cross References

PCGS #418868; companion to First Spouse Gold $10