Author
|
Topic: Apollo 11 50th anniversary U.S. coins (2019)
|
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-24-2019 11:05 AM
collectSPACE US Mint launches sale of coins celebrating Apollo 11 50th anniversaryAlmost a half century after humans first set foot on the moon, you can now buy a U.S. half dollar struck with the image of an astronaut's boot print on the lunar surface. The United States Mint on Thursday (Jan. 24) launched its 2019 coin program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 first moon landing. The coins, which went on sale at noon EST (1700 GMT) on the Mint's website, are available in gold, silver and clad metal editions.  |
denali414 Member Posts: 745 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
|
posted 01-24-2019 11:14 AM
Just got the half dollar set from mint. No problems with checkout. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-24-2019 11:15 AM
The five-ounce proof silver dollar is listed on back order, with an expected in-stock date of May 1, 2019.Update from the U.S. Mint: If you order the back-ordered 5-ounce silver along with other coins, those in stock will ship now. |
PowerCat Member Posts: 208 From: Herington, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 01-24-2019 11:58 AM
I just ordered my coins as well. The server is a bit slow, but be patient... it's well worth it. |
tedc Member Posts: 157 From: Renton, WA USA Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 01-24-2019 12:46 PM
Checking out as a guest and stymied on shipping and delivery. Unable to get the pointer to launch this portion of the order. |
JBoe Member Posts: 990 From: Edgewater, MD Registered: Oct 2012
|
posted 01-24-2019 05:01 PM
I managed to place my order shortly after they opened it. Although, the server was slow and had to reopen it in several tabs. I was so anxious about not getting my order place and the phone number actually gave a busy signal several times. That said, disaster adverted and I place my "modest" order!  |
BMckay Member Posts: 3514 From: MA, USA Registered: Sep 2002
|
posted 01-24-2019 09:27 PM
I picked up mine today at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. They had all but the uncirculated gold one. They are well worth it for the wow factor.Thank you all for making this a fun day. Hats off the ASF. Well done and congrats! |
cspg Member Posts: 6245 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
|
posted 01-25-2019 06:54 AM
As with the USPS, the US Mint does not ship overseas, despite the countries listed during the checkout process... So have the coin(s) shipped to a US address and then reshipped. That's what I did. |
NeilPearson Member Posts: 167 From: UK Registered: May 2013
|
posted 01-25-2019 09:32 AM
I was able to order a proof silver dollar from the US Mint yesterday with shipping to the UK using UPS Worldwide Express. Two hours after my "order acknowledgement" email, I got another saying my order had been confirmed and my credit card has been charged so I hope you're wrong! |
cspg Member Posts: 6245 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
|
posted 01-25-2019 09:37 AM
Hum... how did you manage to get by the postal code? At first I indicated Switzerland but when it came to the postal code (only four digits over here), the website indicated "please indicate a valid postal code." Then I got stuck. |
NeilPearson Member Posts: 167 From: UK Registered: May 2013
|
posted 01-25-2019 10:34 AM
Thinking back, my order said the same initially. I've just gone through the process again and, when using Google Chrome to auto-complete the shipping info, it say's "zip code is invalid." Deleting the postal code, switching the country from UK to something else and back to UK, then allows me to enter the (same!) postal code with no issues. Alternatively, entering all the shipping information manually (no auto-complete) goes through OK. Hope this helps someone else! |
Philip Member Posts: 6082 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 01-25-2019 10:42 AM
In my opinion, a bit silly design, the 1971 Eisenhower dollar with Apollo 11 logo looks far better, but... de gustibus non est disputandum (No discussion about taste). |
cspg Member Posts: 6245 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
|
posted 01-26-2019 02:53 AM
Well, mine has shipped to... Oregon!  As for taste I didn't like the ones which said Mercury-Gemini-Apollo. It's Apollo 11 50th anniversary we're celebrating not the US manned space program! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-26-2019 11:24 AM
When Congress authorized the creation of these coins, it was not solely to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. As stated in the bill as passed into law: ...with such design being emblematic of the United States space program leading up to the first manned Moon landing. Hence, the coin's final design including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. |
NeilPearson Member Posts: 167 From: UK Registered: May 2013
|
posted 01-26-2019 01:54 PM
Although these coins are clearly promoted as celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, personally I like that they also acknowledge the groundwork that was done during the preceding Mercury and Gemini programs. The coin's description includes the following: The United States Mint is proud to present the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program to celebrate the first manned Moon landing on July 20, 1969, and the efforts of the United States space program leading up to this historic event. |
NeilPearson Member Posts: 167 From: UK Registered: May 2013
|
posted 01-29-2019 04:59 AM
Some interesting day one sales figures from CoinWorld:Proof 5-ounce silver dollar: 51,271 Single Proof gold $5 coin: 15,544 Single Uncirculated gold $5 coin: 7,781 Single Proof silver dollar: 86,073 Single Uncirculated silver dollar: 35,380 Single Proof half dollar: 29,560 Single Uncirculated half dollar: 20,877 Half dollar set: 49,825 |
Glint Member Posts: 1054 From: New Windsor, Maryland USA Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 01-29-2019 08:36 PM
quote: Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo: Investment? Look at the 1986 $5 gold Statue of Liberty. Initial issue price: $165. Went as high as $750, but you can get one now for about $400. Wouldn't call that an investment.
(Does not necessarily reflect the view of those who sold theirs at $750.) |
DSeuss5490 Member Posts: 300 From: Columbus, Ohio USA Registered: Jan 2003
|
posted 01-31-2019 12:06 PM
I received my order this morning. I had ordered one to two of each coin within the first 5 minutes. The five ounce coin was not indicated as being on back order until later in the day, but alas my order arrived without the 5 ounce coin. No notice on the invoice in the box regarding back order status, nor on my original confirmation, but it does show as being back ordered when I log in to my US Mint account. Order timing does not appear to have given you a priority. I suppose they probably filled all the bulk dealer orders first, rather than those of the collector. |
cycleroadie Member Posts: 454 From: Apalachin, NY USA Registered: May 2011
|
posted 01-31-2019 07:16 PM
I have a feeling there was an issue getting the 5 ounce coins to everyone, even MCM says "coming soon." |
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member Posts: 3451 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 01-31-2019 10:25 PM
quote: Originally posted by Glint: (Does not necessarily reflect the view of those who sold theirs at $750.)
And assumes one found a buyer at $750, never mind finding one now at $400. I suspect that there will be a great demand for these because of the Apollo 11 cachet. But then, prices will stabilize. If someone wants to buy these or anything else as an investment, more power to them. But they should do their own homework and see how similar items have done in the past. The adage for collectibles holds true: Buy what you like rather than what you think will appreciate in value. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2677 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 02-01-2019 05:48 AM
Any thoughts about how to display these coins? Mine came yesterday as well. |
NASAgoob Member Posts: 96 From: Dallas, Texas, USA Registered: Oct 2008
|
posted 02-02-2019 09:58 AM
Specific to the gold and 5oz silver, I support the fact of investment and that both will increase in value. Not referencing the highway robbery currently on eBay or the thought of rarity 25 years from now. Just the fact that gold and silver are solid investments to modestly increase in value. Happy to own my first gold coin. |
denali414 Member Posts: 745 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
|
posted 02-02-2019 11:06 AM
Got my sets yesterday, pretty quick turnaround. |
David C Member Posts: 1243 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
|
posted 02-04-2019 01:01 PM
Very happy with my proof silver dollars but not convinced that any of this series are investment. If they'd minted 1969/70 yes, fifty years later, don't think so. |
Jonnyed Member Posts: 473 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
|
posted 02-04-2019 08:54 PM
Unfortunately, I was a little slow to get off the dime (terrible pun intended) and now I have to wait til May for my back order. That will teach me. Mentally, I'm going to be like a kid waiting at the mailbox. |
spacepete11 Member Posts: 46 From: CHIPPENHAM Registered: Jul 2004
|
posted 02-05-2019 03:01 PM
Took delivery today of my proof $5 gold coin and must say it does not disappoint. |
Jonnyed Member Posts: 473 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
|
posted 02-06-2019 08:44 PM
I ordered the $5 gold coin (proof) too. Do you have any unique ideas on displaying it or a special presentation --or are you just going to tuck it away for safekeeping?I have a small home office with some Alan Bean prints on the walls and other such space memorabilia on shelves... and just thinking through what I want to do with the coin once it arrives. |
Jonnyed Member Posts: 473 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
|
posted 02-09-2019 01:54 PM
Not that I intend to give a play-by-play on these coins but the US Mint price of the gold coins is already starting to climb (gold market values) so factor that into your thinking if you still haven't ordered and want one of the $5 gold pieces directly from the Mint. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-22-2019 01:12 PM
Per an email from the U.S. Mint, the prices for the Apollo 11 50th anniversary coins will be increasing beginning Feb. 26. If you haven't added the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program keepsakes to your collection yet, don't wait! Order by 3 p.m. ET on February 25, for special introductory pricing on this beautiful assemblage of coins honoring the 1969 Moon landing. The most distinctive characteristic of the program is the eye-catching curved design of each coin. Take advantage of this introductory pricing offer while you can and add these to your collection today! |
Solarplexus Member Posts: 116 From: Norway Registered: Jan 2014
|
posted 02-24-2019 10:29 AM
Nice coins. But why didn't they include the reflection of Earth on that visor design? Maybe as a dot on top of the visor. I believe it would be a important object to display on the coins. Or is it arguable that Earth is visible in the reflection on Buzz Aldrin visor? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-24-2019 11:03 AM
In the photo, Earth is recognizable because it is blue. On the coin, not only would the dot be incredibly small, but it would also be colorless, such that it would look more like a blemish than an intentional feature. |
Solarplexus Member Posts: 116 From: Norway Registered: Jan 2014
|
posted 02-24-2019 01:13 PM
OK, I guess so, even if they could have made it a little larger than the original reflection but then it would have got in the way of the dollar inscription. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-25-2019 11:32 PM
With the introductory period now over, here is the updated price list, per the U.S. Mint (as of Feb. 26): |
OLDIE Member Posts: 294 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
|
posted 03-02-2019 02:38 PM
Took delivery of my silver dollar yesterday. No glitches at all with the ordering process, just a dent in my wallet from the 20 GBP Customs/brokerage charges! |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1321 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
|
posted 03-02-2019 05:34 PM
I purchased a couple of complete sets. The obverse is really a wonderful engraved design. The reverse reminds me of a Paul Calle drawing, but it is appropriate. I like the coin shape, because it will never go into a parking meter coin slot. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 03-08-2019 12:36 PM
From the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation on Twitter: Sam Scimemi, director for the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters, stopped by the ASF office on Feb. 18, 2019 to pick up two U.S. Mint Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative clad coins. The coins will be travelling to the ISS in the near future! When the coins return to Earth, one will be housed at the U.S. Mint and the other at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Stay tuned to find out when the coins will launch!  |
MarylandSpace Member Posts: 1386 From: Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 03-08-2019 01:32 PM
quote: Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo: Okay, what's the $14.51 in change that has previously been launched on missions into Earth orbit or into space?
Didn't Gus Grissom have either some Mercury or Roosevelt dimes that he flew suborbitally? |
328KF Member Posts: 1304 From: Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 03-08-2019 01:35 PM
What was the significance of a NASA manager going to the ASF office to get these coins? What connection is there? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 45799 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 03-08-2019 02:35 PM
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is one of the three beneficiaries of the coin sales (the other two are the Astronaut Memorial Foundation and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum). The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation did not elaborate more as to why Scimemi came to them specifically. |
328KF Member Posts: 1304 From: Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 03-08-2019 02:57 PM
Thanks. Maybe we'll learn more once they are flown and put on display. |