Today, Dec. 20, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) started selling subscriptions for its collection of engraved prints commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Limited to 8,000, the collection features three engravings titled Mission, The Eagle Has Landed, and Giant Leap.
By enrolling now, collectors are guaranteed to receive the full collection at $17 per print, for a total price of $51. Individual prices have yet to be announced but they will likely be in the area of $22.50 apiece based on past print series.
Release dates for the three 50th anniversary engravings are:
- Mission – released Jan. 21, 2019.
- The Eagle Has Landed – spring 2019.
- Giant Leap – summer 2019.
Each print measures 11 x 8.5 inches.
BEP descriptions of the prints follow:
Card 1 – MISSION
This print is symbolic of the United States Space Program’s mission leading up to the first manned moon landing and features an embossing of the Apollo 11 and the lunar surface, with an engraving of President John F. Kennedy and the inscription, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
Card 2 – THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
This print is emblematic of the historic proclamation "The eagle has landed" and features an engraving of President Richard M. Nixon with the inscription, "Because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man’s world. As you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to Earth." This print also features an engraved representation of the famous "Buzz Aldrin on the Moon" photograph taken on July 20, 1969. The reflection in astronaut Aldrin’s helmet features astronaut Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander. The background features the lunar module on the embossed surface of the moon.
Card 3 – GIANT LEAP
This print captures the historic moment as the world eagerly looked to the heavens and heard Neil Armstrong’s voice as he declared, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The design features engravings of Neil Armstrong saluting the United States flag and an embossed footprint on the lunar surface, which together represent the efforts of the United States Space Program leading up to the first manned, moon landing on July 20, 1969.
Ordering
The BEP and U.S. Mint have merged their online sales operations and customers can now purchase currency and coin products in one place, while enjoying the benefits and conveniences of the U.S. Mint website.
Subscribe to this newest product from the Engravings section of the Mint’s website at:
https://catalog.usmint.gov/currency/engravings/
About the BEP
While the Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes and sells detailed intaglio prints and engravings, it is best known for producing United States currency. The bureau prints billions of Federal Reserve Notes each year for delivery to the Federal Reserve System. These notes are produced at facilities in Washington, DC, and Fort Worth, TX.
I am enrolled in this set. Looks like a nice collectible for price.
These are selling for over $100.00 on Ebay.
Below the Giant Leap engraving, the dialogue states Neil Armstrong is “saluting the United States flag. I do not see him “saluting” only standing with a side shot looking at the United States flag. Will the BEP have to do reprinting or remove the word “saluting”?