Coins Online - October 2025

This month, in celebration of World Space Week, the U.S. Mint is going where no coin has gone before. Outer space! Well, actually, a lot of coins have been there before. In fact, coins from the United States Mint have journeyed across the galaxy and witnessed historic moments in space exploration.

The first U.S. coin officially left Earth’s atmosphere in 1999—the Sacagawea Golden Dollar (which was re-released this year as a special Anniversary Gold Proof Coin). In the 26 years since, other coins have made the trip into space, traveling to Mars, the International Space Station (ISS), and the Kuiper Belt.

Maryland and Florida state quarters are aboard NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft to honor the states that designed and launched the craft. The two quarters, which began their journey in 2006, serve as spin balance weights. They helped make history in January 2019 when New Horizons flew past Ultima Thule in the Kuiper Belt, the furthest object ever explored.

Also in 2019, 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 addition to sending coins to space, the Mint also designs coins and medals to honor the accomplishments of the U.S. space program, the latest of which are the American Innovation $1 coins for Florida and Texas.

With all the recent chatter about federal budgets and funding, we thought it was a good time to tackle a question we hear a lot: How does the U.S. Mint decide what to charge for coins and medals?

It’s easy to assume that every government agency runs on taxpayer dollars. But the truth is we don’t get tax dollars to fund our numismatic operations. The Mint is completely self-sustaining. Any extra funds go right back to the Treasury General Fund to help reduce the federal deficit. That means every product we sell has to pay its own way around here. No matter the product, our goal is to always offer high-quality coins and medals at the lowest prices possible—without compromising on craftsmanship or quality.

We start by carefully estimating the full cost to produce and sell each product (production, packaging, marketing, distribution, etc.). That becomes our baseline. From there, we ask ourselves some key questions like: Is this price consistent with similar products in our lineup? Will our customers feel they’re getting the most competitive price? Is the price accessible to as many collectors as possible? If the product doesn’t sell out, have we budgeted enough for proper disposition like recovery, melting, or recycling? This thoughtful process helps us stay fair, sustainable, and collector-focused with our product pricing.

We’re also committed to transparency. For precious metals like gold and platinum, prices can shift weekly based on market rates. We publish our pricing range tables so you’re never in the dark.

And while there are plenty of imitators out there offering “deals,” it’s important to know they often cut corners on quality and authenticity. When you buy from the official U.S. Mint, you’re getting what you’re paying for—genuine, expertly crafted coins and medals that honor America’s legacy.

So, yes, our pricing is complex, but it’s built on integrity, quality, and a mission to serve collectors and the country alike. 

This month's trivia is all about our military coins and medals.

1. Which U.S. military branch celebrates its birthday on October 13?

A) United States Army

B) United States Marine Corps

C) United States Space Force

D) United States Navy

2. Only one U.S. military branch has a red (or scarlet) flag. Which is it?

A) United States Navy

B) United States Army

C) United States Marine Corps

D) United States Air Force

3. The U.S. Army seal was incorporated into a privy mark for which United States Mint product?

A) 2024 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin

B) 2025 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin

C) 2025 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin

D) 2025 Laser Engraved American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin