Interesting coins news today. Laura Bush unveiled the 2008 First Spouse coin designs today in a ceremony celebrating the release of the Dolley Madison coins, the fourth in the First Spouse series.

From the US Mint Website:

Washington, D.C. – Director of the United States Mint Ed Moy joined Mrs. Laura Bush in the White House East Room today for a ceremony celebrating the First Spouse Gold Coin Program. The collectible First Spouse Gold Coins, inaugurated this year, mark the first U.S. coin series consecutively honoring women.

The designs for the 2008 First Spouse Gold Coins were on display for the first time during today’s ceremony.The new 2008 coins will feature images of Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Andrew Jackson’s Liberty and Martin Van Buren’s Liberty.

“This is the first time in American history that women are featured on a consecutive series of coins,” noted Director Moy.”And, it is the first time our First Ladies are gracing coins made of 24-karat gold.”

Much of today’s ceremony focused on the final coin of 2007 honoring First Lady Dolley Madison, with Dolley Madison re-enactor Lucinda Frailly of Canton, Ohio, in full costume discussing the colorful First Lady’s accomplishments.Children from two schools near Montpelier, Virginia, the home of James and Dolley Madison, attended the event.

Mrs. Bush highlighted the historical contributions made by the nation’s First Ladies. “America’s first ladies have guided, comforted and sustained our nation in times of trial and triumph. At the same time, they’ve fulfilled their other very important role-and that is the wife of the President of the United States,” she said. “The East Room is the perfect place to honor these remarkable women, especially one of America’s most beloved First Ladies: Dolley Madison.”

The following images come from The US Mint Press Room:

Elizabeth Monroe

Louisa Adams

Jackson’s Liberty

Van Buren’s Liberty

In other news, you can still get your Dolley Madison First Spouse coins from the US Mint. The proof version price has risen to $529.95, a $100 increase from the first three coins. The uncirculated version is worth $510.95.

It’s unclear whether the higher price means that the value of the previous three coins has now risen roughly $100. We’ll see the pricing on eBay as this coin enters the market.