Space Innovation and Coins
Exploring the connection of space expeditions and coins.
Monthly Mint Trivia: On July 20, 1969, more than half a billion people watched American astronauts take their first steps on the moon. Fifty years later, they were featured on the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin. What are the astronauts’ names?
A Place Called Space
For over a decade, the Mint has produced coins featuring space-related themes to honor specific events and people. Coins have witnessed historic moments in space exploration as well as accompanied journeys across space to Mars, the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Kuiper Belt. Read on to discover ways your students can learn about space through coins.
For educational resources from the Mint that highlight coins and space, check out this Inside the Mint article which explores coins featuring designs related to space.
Educational resources from around the web:
- Students in third grade and higher can learn about space exploration using the “What’s In Space” lesson plan.
- For grades K and up, this video and classroom activity from the National Air and Space Museum can spark interest in coins and space.
Coin of the Month: 2025 Florida American Innovation $1 Coin
The Florida American Innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design presents an image of a NASA space shuttle lifting off from Launch Complex 39 at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Smoke from the solid rocket boosters fills the lower edges of the design with stars in the background. Included inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FLORIDA.”
Battle of the Coins Lesson Plan
Florida American Innovation $1 Coin Coloring Page
Space Supply Game
Trivia Answer: Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong