The U.S. Mint is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing mission by issuing a series of commemorative coins in silver, gold, and silver clad. The Apollo 11 50th
Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program marks one of the most ground-breaking events in American history—the first manned landing on the Moon. A marvel of the era’s technology the epic event answered the challenge set forth by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to “achieve the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.” The goal was met on July 20, 1969, when Apollo 11 touched down on the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility.
The 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program is a collection of stunning coins as unique in construction as they are to behold. The program includes curved coins in gold, silver and clad.
Apollo 11 Coin Design
The obverse (face) of the coins carry the iconic footprint of Armstrong’s boot on the Moon’s surface. It’s surrounded above by the names Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, representing the missions leading up to the landing. The mission names are separated by phases of the Moon. The inscription “Liberty” rests below the footprint, which is flanked by “2019” on the left and “In God We Trust” on the right.
The coins’ reverse features a rendering of the famous “Buzz Aldrin on the Moon” photograph that shows the reflection in Aldrin’s helmet visor of Armstrong standing next to a US flag and the lunar lander. Inscriptions include “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” and the coins’ nominal denominations.
Apollo 11 $5 Gold Coins
Apollo 11 gold coins are .85 inch in diameter and are offered in both proof and uncirculated versions with a nominal face value of five dollars. They weigh 8.359 grams (roughly .3 oz.) and are composed of 90% gold, 6% silver, and 4% copper. Gold coins carry the West Point “W” mint mark.
Apollo 11 $1 Silver Coins
Like the gold coins, Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative silver coins come in both proof and uncirculated finishes. Besides the two .95-ounce, 1.5-inch proof and uncirculated silver dollars, a three-inch diameter 5½ ounce version is offered. All coins are 99.9% silver and have a Philadelphia “P” mint mark.
Apollo 11 Clad Half Dollars
The Apollo 11 design is carried over in proof and uncirculated half dollar coins made of the same nickel-clad copper composition used in today’s circulating “silver” coins. They’re the same size and weight as the current JFK half dollars in circulation. Proof coins have a San Francisco “S” mint mark and uncirculated coins carry the Denver “D.”
Two-Coin Apollo-JFK Coin Set
The Mint also offers a special two-coin set of the Apollo 11 and JFK half dollars in proof quality. The set commemorates the close ties President Kennedy had to the US space program. Details about this special coin set are available on the Great American Coin Company blog.
Special Packaging Adds Impact
The coins are packaged in distinctive holders with the “Earthrise from the Moon” photo on the outer protective sleeve and contain a Certificate of Authenticity. The Apollo-JFK coin set comes in a special tri-fold package with details about the mission and the president’s role in it.
Sales Support Worthy Causes
Part of each Apollo 11 Commemorative Coin Program sales will be paid to three organizations. Half is authorized to be paid to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s “Destination Moon” exhibit; one quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; and one quarter to the Astronauts Scholarship Foundation.
Collecting Commemorative Coins
The US Mint has produced several commemorative coins and coin sets over the years, and they’re a popular subject for both collectors and gift-givers. Other medals and tokens are available from private dealers and collectors. Many offer unique insights into history and some are quite valuable.
The Great American Coin Company offers collectible US proof and mint sets and US bullion coins at attractive prices. They’re just some of the many ways we serve collectors and investors around the world. Visit our website, greatamericancoincompany.com, for more information. And be sure to check back often as our selections are constantly changing.
