Christa McAuliffe, an amazing individual whose life ended tragically in a disaster for the United States space program, is commemorated on silver dollars released for pre-order today by the United States Mint.
2021 Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollars honor the former social studies teacher who was chosen in 1985 to be the first participant in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Teacher in Space program. She perished along with six other astronauts when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after launch on January 28, 1986.
"This silver dollar will celebrate the life and legacy of a true pioneer, a passionate educator, and an inspiration to millions," commented U.S. Mint Director David J. Ryder in a video unveiling the McAuliffe Silver Dollar designs last month.
"We hope this coin will honor Christa McAuliffe’s memory, and we are proud to assist in the continued legacy of her mission to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders."
Struck in both proof and uncirculated collector-grade finishes, the coins are authorized under Public Law 116-65. No more than 350,000 will be sold across all product options.
Coin Designs and Specifications
Twenty-seven design candidates for the commemorative were reviewed. The final designs were selected by the Treasury Secretary after consulting with the family of Christa McAuliffe, the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), and the non-profit organization called FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire youth interest and participation in science and technology.
Coin obverses (heads side) offer a portrait of Christa McAuliffe with a hopeful gaze. Encircling inscriptions include "CHRISTA McAULIFFE," "2021," "LIBERTY," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The portrait was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Laurie J. Musser and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill.
Appearing on coin reverses (tails side) is an image depicting McAuliffe as a teacher. She is shown smiling as she points forward and upward to symbolize the future. Joining her likeness are three high school-age students who look on with wonder. The seven stars above them pay tribute to those who perished in the Challenger tragedy. The FIRST organization logo is also incorporated into the design.
Reverse inscriptions read: "I TOUCH THE FUTURE. I TEACH.," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "ONE DOLLAR," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The reverse design was created by AIP Designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna.
Silver Dollar Specifications
| Denomination: | Dollar |
| Finish: | Proof and Uncirculated |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 26.730 grams |
| Diameter: | 1.500 inches |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | Philadelphia – P |
Introductory Prices, Ordering and Shipping Date
Introductory pricing is $74 per proof coin and $69 per uncirculated coin. These prices will climb by $5 after March 1.
Beginning at noon ET today, pre-order 2021 Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollars from the U.S. Mint’s online store for commemorative coins.
Due to the pandemic, U.S. Mint customer service representatives are available to assist with any questions, but are unable to accept credit card information or place orders over the phone.
Also, keep in mind that the dollars are not expected to begin shipping until March 17, 2021.
Surcharges Benefit FIRST
A surcharge of $10 is a part of the price for each coin. After associated expenses, proceeds from the surcharge will go to the FIRST robotics program for the "purpose of engaging and inspiring young people, through mentor-based programs, to become leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."
Companion 2021 Commemorative Coin Program
The McAuliffe Silver Dollars are one of two 2021 U.S. Mint commemorative coin programs. The other program, which also debuts today, celebrates the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum.
Got doubles. Thank you sir, may I have another lol!
Jake –
LOL. I prefer “Spank You!” & – “Let me have another nutter butter peanut butter sandwich cookie please!”
I like this commemorative silver coin, especially her portrait – a portrait is the hardest type of artwork to create, so I hear.
Happy collecting/investing!
NumisdudeTX
nutter butters =) . Art is priceless in the long run!
Wheres the remembrance to honor the other 5 astronauts? Skipping this and the law enforcement. No interest.
Good for you!
Ps you clearly did not understand that this coin is minted in recognition of Christa McAuliffe. Not the big blow up
I purchased two, but I, too, would love to see a remembrance to honor the other astronauts. No “Law Enforcement” coins for me. I was waiting on the price of the 3-coin set, but no way.
I have no choice, its destiny. 1920 collection, 2021 and the inevitable 2122 collection, only with applied discipline of course.
I’ll buy them when they issue coins to honor the other six.
I hope you have a well to throw wishes into.
Plainly you have a drain to throw money into.
Each of the deceased have a star in the coins reverse
Wow, a whole star.
Why is this coin only one (1) ounce silver and NOT one (1) troy ounce !!??
Oh man Joe! Simmer down, these are not anywhere near one Troy ounce. These are dollars, measured in the avoirdupois system.
Joe J. – These modern silver commemorative $1 coins still weigh 26.73 grams of silver (.999 fine as of 2019). Before 2019, almost all silver dollars from the U.S. Mint, including Morgan & Peace silver dollars & even most $1 silver coins before that were 26.73 grams of .900 fine silver with 10% copper alloy (so-called “coinage silver” or “coin silver”) which was standard since at least the 1800s for almost all U.S. Mint silver coins – the 90% silver/10% copper alloy. And, of course, it takes 31.1 grams of silver (or any metal) to weigh one troy ounce –… Read more »
You are a good man Seth!
I went to public school 🙂 due north of you, best subjects were Arithmetic, Civics, and Shop class. I work OT. Its Exponential.
All this chatter… and not one comment as to what any of you think this coin might be worth, in a few years. Opinions… I need opinions. I did already buy the uncirculated coin because I did not see the option for the PROOF coin, before I sent in the order. However, 1st day sales shows 11K proofs ordered and under 3K uncirculated… and I would think the fewer made will result in the higher value? Also… I plan on buying the 2021 Silver dollar with BOTH designs on the back of the coin. Is both West Point and San… Read more »
Are you serious? Caveat Emptor as a wise man knows. DYODD. OR get a haircut and get a real job! Why are you buying anything mint related, to dump in a few years, when the mint may be still selling that item? The mint absorbs all money burning a hole in my pocket this year. Petty cash. USA! Remember only the muppets say sell sell sell lol or where is my stimulus?
As of today, the Silver Proof Coin is “Unavailable” and no longer on “PreOrder.”