Van Buren First Spouse Gold Coin Reverse - Artist's Rendering

Because Martin Van Buren was a widower by the time he became President, the reverse of his First Spouse coin depicts a theme from his life. Van Buren was born in a small Dutch community located at a way-point between major cities. As such, it was frequented by important men, including the politicians of the day, who had to travel often. The young Van Buren was a keen observer of the discourses among these men, and he undertook to become a part of the political scene, working his way up the party ranks until he became Andrew Jackson's second Vice President, and eventually President himself. The coin's design, created by AIP Master Designer Thomas Cleveland, is emblematic of Van Buren's formative years.