Julia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin

On June 26, 1844, President John Tyler married the young and vivacious Julia Gardiner. Although she was First Lady for only eight months, she quickly made her mark in Washington.

For example, James Sanderson’s song “Hail to the Chief” had often been played to honor American presidents, but Julia Tyler was the first of the First Spouses who asked that it be played on all official occasions especially to announce the president’s arrival. This became a tradition that continues to this day.

Julia supported her husband’s political goals, especially his efforts to annex Texas. Julia used her charm to move Congressmen, a Supreme Court justice, and cabinet members to back the cause. After Congress voted in favor of annexation and the President signed the resolution, he handed the gold pen he used to Julia in honor of her efforts. Afterward, she proudly wore the pen attached to her necklace on formal occasions.

Reverse Design

On the back, President and Mrs. Tyler dance together. The polka became a national craze after Julia Tyler introduced the dance at a White House social event.