Pucks In The 2019 Apollo 11 Commemorative Coin Program

Well they had to buy a new press for the pucks so did you really think they would not make other 5oz stuff with it? I've been waiting to hear something like this

Some collectors already consider the ATB coins - circulation versions and five-ounce versions - commemorative coins. I do not.

From an "official" US Mint standpoint, I don't believe the ATB coins will ever be folded into what the Mint currently classifies as "commemorative coins." Such coins are generally privately-sponsored coins that are sold at a premium (via an added surcharge) to raise funds for a specific cause/event/organization. Coins such as those of the bullion/numismatic ATB series are not privately-sponsored and do not have a surcharge added to their selling price - their sale does not raise funds for a private entity. I foresee this distinction as always being a relevant line of demarcation.

Unfortunately, the term "commemorative" has recently come to be used for any coin that is not a circulation coin. It's an unfortunate but undeniable trend that I chalk up to laziness by dealers/promoters and collectors. So, there will always be some who try to lump them all together.

Bottom line, yours is the only relevant opinion regarding what should be included in your collection of modern US commemorative coins. So, don't fret and keep collecting what works for you!

I'm optimistic about the Apollo commemorative program in general but it will be a "wait and see" kind of thing.

I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on the prospect of curved coins. Given the surface of the moon is (obviously) curved it seems like a logical thing to do if they have the capability. We know they can do it for 1-oz coins and the $5 gold coins, but is the 5-oz press capable of it?

Per the authorizing legislation, all of the coins - including the five-ounce coin - are to be curved.

Under Section 3 - Coin Specifications is included the following:

(d) Convex Shape.

(1) In general.--The coins minted under this Act shall be produced in a fashion similar to the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary Commemorative Coin, so that the reverse of the coin is convex to more closely resemble the visor of the astronaut's helmet of the time and the obverse concave, providing a more dramatic display of the obverse design chosen pursuant to section 4(c).


As the language applies to all coins of the Apollo 11 commemorative program, and the Mint has two years to work on it, it appears certain that even the large five-ounce silver dollar will be struck as a curved coin.

Thanks for clearing that up.

My question stands... is the current 5-oz press capable of striking curved coins? Are the concave and convex faces simply created by the dies also being appropriately convex and concave?

So it would seem that this program will bring a few firsts:

o 1st proof 5-oz silver coin
o 1st 5-oz commemorative silver coin
o 1st curved 5-oz coin of any finish

This has the potential to be pretty cool.

I just assumed all the coins except for the puck would be curved...I liked the idea of a 5 oz PF commem but not that cool with a curved one..more like a gimmic

Thanks, commems. I'm a bit disappointed, but this isn't necessarily a deal breaker for me. Time will tell. I'll have to see them first.

The 2014 Baseball HOF half dollar was a clad coin - it was the first curved clad coin struck by any mint.

So, the Apollo 11 clad half dollar would be the second US curved half dollar in the copper-nickel composition.



During the first month of sales, the uncirculated version of the Baseball HOF clad half dollar was priced at $18.95; the proof version cost $19.95. The regular prices after the introductory period expired were $22.95 and $23.95, respectively.

I would imagine that the Apollo 11 half dollars will be priced similarly. So, maybe the coin will fit your budget?



From my perspective, a five-ounce silver Apollo 11 "coin" denominated at $1 - with or without a curve - is no more of a gimmick than the ATB "pucks" that carry a denomination of a quarter dollar. I'm not enamored with the idea of this over-sized Apollo 11 "coin," but will "suck it up" and purchase one because I think the coins celebrate an amazing (especially considering the technology of the time) historical milestone and I collect medals alongside my coins - it will fit in just fine with my other Apollo 11 pieces.