What’s been to Mars, the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Kuiper Belt? The answer may surprise you – U.S. coins
U.S. coins have journeyed to the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, Mars, and even the Kuiper Belt. Image courtesy United States Mint
Our coins have journeyed across space and witnessed historic moments in space exploration. The first U.S. coin to officially leave Earth’s atmosphere was the Sacagawea Golden Dollar in 1999. In the 20 years since, other coins have made the trip. This year alone, coins made it to the International Space Station (ISS) and the Kuiper Belt.
In May, two Apollo 11 50th Anniversary commemorative coins were on board the ISS. Astronaut Christina Koch sent a message from the space station before the coins returned to Earth in June. One of the coins will go to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum while the other will stay with the Mint.
Space-Themed Coins and Medals
In addition to sending coins to space, the Mint also designs coins and medals to honor the accomplishments of the U.S. space program. This year, two coin programs mark the achievements of the Gemini and Apollo space programs: the 2019 Native American $1 Coin and the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program.
The coin design features Ross writing calculations, with an Atlas-Agena rocket launching into space in the background with an equation inscribed in its cloud. The equation represents the energy it takes to leave Earth and reach the orbit of a distant planet. The coin also features John Herrington of Chickasaw Nation, who in 2002 was the first Native American to walk in space.
The Mint also launched a commemorative coin program to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing. The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program includes four coins of gold, silver, clad, and five-ounce silver that share the same design. The obverse shows a footprint on the Moon’s surface and honors the contributions of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. The reverse is astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s helmet with a reflection of Neil Armstrong, the lunar lander, and the American flag.
In 1971, the Mint honored the Moon landing by making the country’s first space-themed coin. The 1971 Eisenhower dollar reverse featured an eagle on the moon, a copy of Apollo 11’s insignia.
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About the U.S. Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.
The U.S. Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
You forgot the Gus Grissom dimes.