(2013) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Helen Taft

Coin Details

Description

The Helen Taft bronze medal celebrates a First Lady whose personal initiative gave Washington one of its most beloved landmarks. Helen Herron Taft, known as "Nellie," had visited the White House as a teenager during the Hayes administration and reportedly resolved then to one day live there as First Lady. The obverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, portrays a woman whose ambition and political skill were instrumental in advancing her husband William Howard Taft's career. Nellie Taft orchestrated his appointment as Governor-General of the Philippines and later pushed him toward the presidency when he preferred a seat on the Supreme Court. The reverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, references her most enduring legacy: the planting of more than three thousand Japanese cherry trees along the Tidal Basin in 1912, transforming the Washington landscape and creating the annual cherry blossom spectacle that draws millions of visitors. Just ten weeks into her husband's presidency, Helen Taft suffered a severe stroke that left her unable to speak for over a year. She worked determinedly to recover and eventually resumed her social duties, though her speech remained affected. Taft later achieved his preferred ambition as Chief Justice after leaving office. Struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches.

Rarity Notes

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint during 2013 without a fixed mintage cap. The cherry blossom connection makes this a popular issue among series collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #518196; companion to First Spouse Gold $10