Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Five Ounce Proof Silver Coin

Commemorative Coin Programs

Background

In 2019, the U.S. Mint released the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Five Ounce Silver Proof 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.

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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: 3.000 inches
Weight: 155.517 grams
Overall Height: 0.441 inch
Mintage Limit: 100,000 across all five ounce proof silver coin product options

Artist Information

Obverse
  • Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
  • Designer: Gary Cooper
Reverse

Related Information

Content last reviewed February 25, 2021

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