A United States commemorative coin, issued in 2019, celebrated the 50th anniversary of a pivotal moment in space exploration. This legal tender currency, composed of 90% silver, features designs that commemorate the Apollo 11 mission. One side depicts a boot print on the lunar surface, while the other shows a representation of the famous photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, with Neil Armstrong reflected in his visor. The coin’s curved shape mimics the design of the Apollo missions crew capsules.
The issuance of this commemorative coin served multiple purposes. It honored the technological achievement and the courage of the astronauts involved. It also generated revenue for organizations like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation through surcharges added to the coin’s price. Moreover, the coin provided collectors and the public with a tangible piece of history, allowing them to connect with this significant event in a meaningful way. The coin’s design was the result of a juried competition, emphasizing the mission’s cultural impact and lasting legacy.
Further discussion will examine the coins specific design elements, the variations available, and the market value observed since its release. Information regarding minting figures, grading standards, and the coin’s overall significance within the broader context of numismatics will also be presented.
1. Commemoration
The issuance of a coin serves as an enduring form of commemoration, solidifying historical events and figures within a nation’s collective memory. The coin in question, celebrating the Apollo 11 mission, exemplifies this principle by transforming a moment of scientific achievement into a tangible artifact.
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Honoring Achievements
The primary role of commemoration is to acknowledge and honor significant achievements. The Apollo 11 mission, a landmark in human exploration, is thus recognized. The design elements on the coin, like the footprint on the lunar surface, serve as constant reminders of the mission’s success, ensuring its lasting recognition within popular culture and historical records.
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Educational Tool
Commemorative coins have an educational function. They can spark interest in the events they represent. The “moon landing silver dollar” can prompt discussions about the Space Race, technological advancements, and the historical context surrounding the Apollo program, contributing to a broader understanding of this era.
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Cultural Symbolism
The design of the coin is infused with cultural symbolism. The depiction of the American flag on the moon, or the reflection of Neil Armstrong in Buzz Aldrin’s visor, speaks to national pride, ambition, and the collaborative spirit of the mission. The selection of these symbols reinforces the coin’s role as a representation of American identity and ingenuity.
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Economic Impact
The act of commemorating through coinage often generates economic benefits. The “moon landing silver dollar” not only appeals to collectors, thereby increasing its value, but also generates revenue through surcharges that support relevant organizations such as space museums and scholarship funds. This economic dimension further underscores the coin’s multifaceted significance as a commemorative object.
In summary, the commemorative aspect of the coin extends beyond mere celebration. It encompasses historical recognition, educational opportunities, cultural representation, and economic contributions. The coin transforms a specific event into a lasting symbol, ensuring its continued relevance and impact for future generations.
2. Silver Composition
The silver composition of the commemorative coin significantly influences its inherent value, collectibility, and historical perception. The intrinsic properties of silver, combined with the symbolic weight of the coin’s design, create a unique synergy that differentiates this coin within the broader numismatic market.
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Intrinsic Value
The coin’s 90% silver content provides a baseline intrinsic value that fluctuates with the market price of silver. This provides a safeguard for collectors, as the coin retains a base worth irrespective of its numismatic grading or historical narrative. For instance, a drop in demand for commemorative coins would not eliminate the underlying value derived from the silver content.
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Collector Appeal
Silver coinage often carries increased appeal to collectors. The precious metal aspect enhances the coin’s desirability. Silver is a tangible asset recognized universally. It offers a sense of security and long-term value that appeals to a segment of the collecting community. This is especially true for coins commemorating significant historical events.
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Historical Significance
The use of silver in the commemorative coin evokes historical precedent. Silver has been a preferred metal for coinage throughout history. The coin thus connects to a lineage of valuable and historically important currency. This strengthens the coin’s symbolic representation of a lasting achievement in space exploration. This association with historical currency elevates its cultural and symbolic weight.
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Preservation and Aesthetics
Silver’s inherent qualities contribute to the coin’s preservation and aesthetic appeal. The metal’s relative resistance to corrosion protects the coin from degradation over time, helping to maintain its condition and appearance. The luster of silver enhances the design elements, adding visual appeal. This is essential for a coin intended to commemorate a momentous event for generations to come.
In conclusion, the silver composition is not merely a technical specification. It is an integral component that affects its value, appeal, symbolic meaning, and long-term preservation. This composition reinforces its importance as a tangible representation of a key moment in space exploration history.
3. Curved Design
The curved design is a distinctive feature of the commemorative coin, departing from traditional flat coin surfaces. This deliberate choice connects the tangible coin to the capsules of the Apollo missions, lending a unique dimension to its commemorative purpose.
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Emulation of Spacecraft Form
The concave shape intentionally mimics the form factor of the Apollo command and service modules. These modules, crucial for the lunar mission, were capsule-shaped to withstand the rigors of space travel. This design element subtly pays tribute to the engineering achievements necessary for the mission’s success and the specialized equipment that enabled it.
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Enhanced Tactile Experience
The curvature offers a different tactile experience compared to traditional flat coins. This tactile distinction makes the coin more memorable and engaging for collectors and the general public. The unique feel in hand enhances the perception of the coin as a special and valuable artifact, differentiating it from standard currency.
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Minting Complexity and Innovation
Producing a curved coin requires advanced minting techniques. The United States Mint’s decision to undertake this complex process demonstrates its commitment to innovation and quality. The curved design involved specialized dies and adjusted striking pressures, adding to the coin’s production cost and highlighting the mint’s technological capabilities.
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Visual Distortion and Artistic Effect
The curved surface introduces a degree of visual distortion to the coin’s design. This distortion, while subtle, adds an artistic effect to the imagery, creating a dynamic and visually engaging presentation of the Apollo 11 mission’s themes. The curvature interacts with light differently than a flat surface, further enhancing the coin’s aesthetic appeal.
The incorporation of the curved design is more than an aesthetic choice. It represents a deliberate effort to create a physical connection to the historical event being commemorated, enhance the user experience, showcase minting capabilities, and add artistic depth to the coin. This design element elevates the coin beyond a simple commemorative object, transforming it into a nuanced tribute to human ingenuity and exploration.
4. Apollo 11
The Apollo 11 mission, a pivotal event in human history, forms the core subject of the commemorative coin. Its success provided the thematic foundation and design elements for the coin, embedding a specific historical narrative within the numismatic artifact.
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Historical Significance
The Apollo 11 mission represents a singular achievement in space exploration, marking the first time humans set foot on the Moon. The coin serves as a tangible link to this event, reminding future generations of the mission’s audacity, technological innovation, and global impact. The choice to commemorate this specific mission elevates the coin beyond a general tribute to space exploration, grounding it in a defined historical moment.
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Design Inspiration
Elements of the Apollo 11 mission directly influenced the design of the coin. The boot print on the lunar surface, the depiction of Buzz Aldrin on the Moon with Neil Armstrong reflected in his visor, and the curvature mirroring the Apollo command module are all visual references derived from the mission. These design choices connect the coin directly to the Apollo 11 experience, making it a visual representation of the event.
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Commemorative Purpose
The coin serves the explicit purpose of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. As a commemorative object, it provides a tangible form of remembrance, allowing individuals to connect with the mission’s legacy. The issuance of the coin contributes to the ongoing narrative surrounding Apollo 11, ensuring its place in popular culture and historical consciousness.
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Economic Impact Related to the Mission
The issuance of the coin generates revenue through surcharges, a portion of which is directed to organizations such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. These institutions benefit from the economic activity spurred by the coin, directly linking its commercial success to the preservation and promotion of space exploration-related history and education, thus perpetuating the legacy of Apollo 11.
The connection between Apollo 11 and the coin extends beyond thematic representation. The coin serves as a vehicle for historical preservation, cultural reflection, and economic support for institutions dedicated to furthering understanding and appreciation of space exploration. This intertwined relationship elevates the coin beyond a mere collectible, establishing it as a lasting testament to human achievement.
5. Surcharges
The “moon landing silver dollar,” authorized by Public Law 115-309, included surcharges levied on the sale of each coin. These surcharges were not merely incidental to the coin’s production and distribution; they formed an integral component of the legislation’s purpose. The addition of these fees directly generated revenue intended for specific beneficiary organizations dedicated to space exploration and education. The legislation mandated that a portion of the funds be allocated to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. This mechanism transformed the coin from a mere commemorative item into a vehicle for direct financial support of related institutions. The surcharge functions as a dedicated tax on the coin’s sale, channeling funds towards specific causes related to the coin’s theme.
The financial impact of the surcharges is demonstrable. As an example, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, which honors astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration, received funds to support its educational programs and memorial maintenance. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum utilized its allocation to enhance exhibits and educational outreach efforts. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation employed the funds to provide scholarships to students pursuing STEM fields. The implementation of surcharges, therefore, directly linked the commercial success of the coin to the financial health and operational capacity of these organizations. This creates a beneficial cycle, where public interest in the commemorative coin fuels financial support for institutions integral to the story and legacy of the Apollo missions.
In summary, the surcharges embedded within the sale price of the “moon landing silver dollar” are a critical element. They serve as a dedicated funding mechanism that bolsters organizations committed to space exploration, education, and remembrance. These surcharges exemplify how commemorative coinage can contribute tangible support to the subjects they represent, creating a virtuous circle where historical commemoration translates directly into financial support for related causes, ensuring their continued prominence and impact. The inclusion of surcharges in commemorative coin legislation represents a practical approach to leveraging public interest in historical events to support relevant organizations, cementing the legacy of the event and benefiting the broader community.
6. Collectibility
The intrinsic qualities of the “moon landing silver dollar” and its historical context combine to create a highly sought-after item within the numismatic community. Several factors contribute to its desirability among collectors, influencing its market value and long-term appreciation potential.
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Limited Mintage
The United States Mint established a limited mintage for the coin, capping the number of units produced across all versions (proof, uncirculated, etc.). This scarcity inherently increases its appeal to collectors seeking to acquire rare and difficult-to-obtain items. A finite supply, coupled with sustained demand, drives up the coin’s value on the secondary market. For example, the 1995-W Silver Eagle, with a relatively low mintage, commands a substantial premium over other Silver Eagles.
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Historical Significance
The coin commemorates a milestone event in human history: the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The subject matter resonates with a broad audience, including space enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who simply appreciate significant cultural achievements. This widespread appeal fuels demand beyond the traditional numismatic community, expanding its collectibility. Coins associated with key historical events typically maintain strong collector interest over time.
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Design and Aesthetics
The coin’s design incorporates elements directly related to the Apollo 11 mission, such as the footprint on the lunar surface and the depiction of Buzz Aldrin with Neil Armstrong reflected in his visor. The curved shape, emulating the Apollo command module, adds to its uniqueness and aesthetic appeal. Visually striking coins, particularly those with innovative design features, tend to be more desirable to collectors. The artistic merit enhances its collectibility.
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Metal Composition and Grading
The coin’s composition of 90% silver contributes to its intrinsic value and collectibility. Silver bullion is often seen as a safe-haven asset, adding an element of investment appeal. Furthermore, professionally graded examples, certified by independent grading services like PCGS or NGC, receive higher premiums due to their guaranteed condition and authenticity. Collectors often seek high-grade examples, driving up their market value.
The collectibility of the “moon landing silver dollar” is a multifaceted phenomenon, driven by a combination of scarcity, historical importance, design appeal, and material value. These factors intersect to create a coin that holds significant interest for both seasoned numismatists and casual collectors alike. Its potential for appreciation remains contingent on market dynamics and the sustained interest in space exploration and related historical events.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries and misconceptions regarding the United States Mint commemorative coin issued in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Question 1: What is the precise silver content of the Moon Landing Silver Dollar?
The commemorative coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition, standard for many United States silver coins of the past, provides a balance between intrinsic value and durability. The specific weight of silver within the coin varies slightly depending on the version (proof or uncirculated), but the 90% silver ratio remains constant.
Question 2: Why does the coin have a curved shape?
The curved or concave shape of the coin is a design element intended to mimic the shape of the Apollo command and service modules. This feature serves as a visual and tactile reminder of the spacecraft that transported the astronauts to and from the Moon. The minting of a curved coin requires specialized techniques and equipment, adding to its collectible appeal.
Question 3: How were the designs for the Moon Landing Silver Dollar selected?
The designs for the coin were chosen through a juried competition. Artists submitted their designs, which were then evaluated by a panel of experts, including representatives from the United States Mint, the numismatic community, and the space exploration field. The winning designs were then adapted for use on the coin’s obverse and reverse.
Question 4: What organizations benefited from the surcharges added to the coin’s price?
Public Law 115-309 stipulated that surcharges collected from the sale of the coin would be distributed to three specific organizations: the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. These organizations support space exploration, education, and the preservation of space-related history.
Question 5: What factors influence the market value of the Moon Landing Silver Dollar?
Several factors determine the coin’s market value. These include its condition (as assessed by third-party grading services), its rarity (based on mintage figures), the prevailing price of silver, and overall demand from collectors. Proof versions of the coin, graded in perfect condition, typically command higher prices. Coins with unique errors or variations may also be highly sought after.
Question 6: Is the Moon Landing Silver Dollar considered legal tender?
Yes, the coin is considered legal tender in the United States, although its face value ($1) is significantly lower than its intrinsic and collectible value. It is unlikely to be used in everyday transactions due to its silver content and historical significance.
In summary, the Moon Landing Silver Dollar is a unique commemorative coin with a distinctive design, historical significance, and a dedicated funding mechanism for space-related causes. Its value is influenced by various factors, making it an intriguing item for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Further analysis will delve into strategies for acquiring and preserving this commemorative coin.
Acquisition and Preservation Strategies
Successful acquisition and long-term preservation of the “moon landing silver dollar” require careful consideration of several key factors. The following tips provide guidance for collectors seeking to maximize the value and longevity of this commemorative coin.
Tip 1: Acquire Certified Coins: Purchase coins graded by reputable third-party services such as PCGS or NGC. These services assess the coin’s condition, authenticity, and assign a grade based on established standards. Certified coins command a premium due to the guarantee of their quality and protection against counterfeiting. A graded coin in a secure holder minimizes environmental exposure.
Tip 2: Prioritize Early Acquisition: Obtain the coin as close to its initial release date as possible. New releases often generate increased interest and higher market values. Early acquisition also allows for a wider selection of available grades and varieties. Limited-edition coins experience the most significant price appreciation shortly after their initial release, before stabilizing.
Tip 3: Store Coins Appropriately: Protect the “moon landing silver dollar” from environmental factors that can cause damage, such as humidity, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight. Store coins in acid-free holders, albums, or airtight capsules designed specifically for numismatic preservation. Avoid handling coins directly; use cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints and scratches.
Tip 4: Research Market Trends: Monitor numismatic publications, online forums, and auction results to stay informed about market trends and pricing fluctuations for the coin. Understanding market dynamics helps in making informed purchasing and selling decisions. Knowledge of supply and demand factors is crucial for maximizing investment returns.
Tip 5: Consider Variety and Error Coins: Certain minting errors or variations can significantly increase the coin’s value. Research known varieties of the “moon landing silver dollar” and be diligent in inspecting potential purchases for any deviations from the standard design. Documented and authenticated errors are highly sought after by specialized collectors.
Tip 6: Document Your Collection: Maintain a detailed record of all acquired coins, including purchase dates, prices, grading information, and provenance. This documentation is essential for insurance purposes, estate planning, and tracking the overall value of the collection. High-resolution photographs are also beneficial for identifying and authenticating coins.
Consistent adherence to these strategies will assist in the responsible acquisition and preservation of the “moon landing silver dollar,” safeguarding its value and historical significance for future generations.
The subsequent section will provide a comprehensive overview of resources for further research on this coin.
Conclusion
The preceding analysis has explored the multifaceted nature of the “moon landing silver dollar,” examining its commemorative purpose, silver composition, distinctive design, historical connection to the Apollo 11 mission, dedicated surcharge mechanism, and enduring collectibility. Each of these elements contributes to the coin’s overall significance within the numismatic landscape and as a tangible representation of a pivotal moment in human history. The coin’s design, composition, and legislative framework combine to create a lasting tribute to scientific achievement and national aspiration.
The future value and cultural relevance of the coin will depend on sustained interest in space exploration and the continued efforts to preserve its historical context. It is incumbent upon collectors and institutions alike to safeguard these artifacts, ensuring that the story of Apollo 11 and the ingenuity it represents remains accessible for generations to come. Through diligent preservation and informed collecting practices, the legacy of the “moon landing silver dollar” will endure as a testament to human achievement and the power of commemorative art.
