(2016) First Spouse Bronze Medal - Patricia Nixon

Coin Details

Description

The Patricia Nixon bronze medal honors a First Lady who traveled more extensively than any of her predecessors and brought a quiet determination to the role during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American politics. Thelma Catherine "Pat" Ryan Nixon earned her nickname because she was born on the eve of St. Patrick's Day in 1912 and worked her way through the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude in 1937. The obverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, presents a portrait of a woman whose resilience was tested repeatedly throughout her husband's long and controversial political career. The reverse, designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Renata Gordon, references her extensive goodwill travels to eighty-three countries, including her unaccompanied diplomatic missions to Africa and South America. As First Lady from 1969 to 1974, Pat Nixon championed "volunteerism" as a national cause, encouraged the White House to acquire American-made furniture and art, and opened the mansion for candlelight tours and events for disabled visitors. She maintained her composure through the Watergate crisis even as her husband's presidency collapsed, though friends reported the ordeal devastated her privately. After Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974, she lived in seclusion in San Clemente, California and later in New Jersey, dying in 1993. Struck in bronze at 1-5/16 inches.

Rarity Notes

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint during 2016 without a stated mintage cap. Available from dealers at standard pricing for the series.

Cross References

PCGS #611833; companion to First Spouse Gold $10