(2012) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Caroline Harrison

Coin Details

Auction Record

$285 MS70BN 04-26-2019 eBay

Description

The Caroline Harrison bronze medal honors a First Lady who brought significant modernization to the White House during Benjamin Harrison's presidency from 1889 to 1893. Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison was the first president of the Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, and she championed women's education throughout her life, serving on the Board of Trustees of her alma mater. The obverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, depicts a woman who was an accomplished watercolor artist and china painter whose floral designs became highly sought after. As First Lady, Caroline Harrison oversaw the installation of electricity in the White House, though the family was reportedly so wary of the new technology that they sometimes slept with the lights on rather than touch the switches. The reverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, references her artistic talents and contributions to the executive mansion. She proposed a major expansion of the White House but Congress rejected the plan. Caroline Harrison's tenure was cut short when she contracted tuberculosis and died in the White House on October 25, 1892, just two weeks before Benjamin Harrison lost his re-election bid to Grover Cleveland. Her death muted the campaign, with both candidates suspending active campaigning out of respect. Struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches.

Rarity Notes

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during 2012 with open mintage. Available on the secondary market at standard series pricing.

Cross References

PCGS #512944; companion to First Spouse Gold $10