Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar Coin
- Year of Issue: 2019
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 114-282
Background
In 2019, the U.S. Mint released the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar Coin as part of the the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon by NASA’s Apollo 11 crew. The program includes curved coins in gold, silver, clad, and a special five-ounce silver coin. A public design competition determined the common obverse design.
The Apollo program, along with its predecessor Mercury and Gemini programs, inspired generations of American students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which has fueled innovation and economic growth throughout a range of industries over the last four decades.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design features the inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO,” separated by phases of the Moon, and a footprint on the lunar surface, which together represent the efforts of the United States space program leading up to the first manned Moon landing.
The reverse (tails) design features a representation of a close-up of the famous ‘Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’ photograph taken July 20, 1969, that shows just the visor and part of the helmet of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The reflection in Buzz Aldrin’s helmet includes astronaut Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander.
Obverse Inscriptions
- MERCURY
- GEMINI
- APOLLO
- 2019
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- $1
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Composition: 99.9% Silver
Diameter: 1.500 inches
Weight: 26.730 grams
Overall Height: 0.243 inch
Mintage Limit: 400,000 across all silver product options
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Gary Cooper
- Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist