(2013) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Ellen Wilson

Coin Details

Description

The Ellen Wilson bronze medal honors the first wife of Woodrow Wilson, an accomplished artist who used her brief time as First Lady to advocate for improved housing conditions in Washington's impoverished neighborhoods. Ellen Louise Axson Wilson was a talented painter who studied at the Art Students League of New York and exhibited her landscapes professionally, making her one of the most artistically accomplished presidential spouses. The obverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, presents a portrait reflecting her artistic sensibility and quiet determination. The reverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, references her work to address the deplorable living conditions in Washington's back alleys, where African American residents lived in cramped, unsanitary housing within sight of the Capitol. Ellen Wilson personally toured these neighborhoods and lobbied Congress to pass legislation addressing the problem. The resulting alley dwelling bill was passed by the Senate on August 6, 1914, the day of her death from Bright's disease, and is sometimes called the "Ellen Wilson bill" in her honor. Her death after only seventeen months as First Lady left Woodrow Wilson grief-stricken, though he would remarry the following year. Struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches.

Rarity Notes

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint during 2013 without a stated production limit. Available from dealers at typical secondary market pricing.

Cross References

PCGS #518199; companion to First Spouse Gold $10