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 Replies: 15 / Views: 987 |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12811 Posts |
39 years ago today (1/28/1986), the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds into its flight after launching from Cape Canaveral, FL. It was crewed by seven astronauts, including the civilian teacher Christa McAuliffe, all of whom perished. I'm sure many of us remember this tragedy well.  In 2021, which was the 35th anniversary of the disaster of STS-51-L, the United States Mint released the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Proof and Uncirculated silver dollar coins. Proof: $74 Uncirc: $69 Production data here. Initially I was a little put off by the fact that they had singled out just one of the seven that died, but then I realized that this wasn't really about the disaster itself, but in fact it was about STEM and what Christa had joined the flight team for and what she represented and died for. And while the coin featured one astronaut, it in fact payed homage to all of them with seven stars on the reverse. Every time I look at this coin I like it more and more.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
These are the topics of Deserving Honors, The symbol of Strength, We have come to Honor those who gave their all for the Future of The United States. I Too enjoy Our Commemorative History, Which You are Obviously On Top of, My liking this coin is Especially the Uncirculated versions, We all will never forget the Unexpected, Tragic scene that unfolded on Live Television. Our space program is Forever grateful for those who willing went where Man Has Only Dreamed, I am one of the Collectors that History Like this Drive my thirst for Knowledge and the Coinages that come to represent the Same... The Challenger was a symbol of Our Willingness to go beyond, Where no Man has been, We are Grateful that so few, Have accomplished so Much, For All Mankind..... Well Done Celtic...  |
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Moderator
 United States
187582 Posts |
Thank you for sharing.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
17884 Posts |
One of my favourite US commemoratives and the most recent one I've purchased.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
Thanks for posting! Definitely a meaningful commemorative coin.
I agree that the 2019 Silver Dollar was not about the Challenger disaster. Its purpose was to support the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology or FIRST initiatives that support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning programs. FIRST was marking the 30th Anniversary of its founding in 2019.
The coin's surcharges were paid to FIRST "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."
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12811 Posts |
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Well Done Celtic... Thanks, Morgans Dad (and jbuck and commems)! I channeled my inner commems for that post.  |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:
I channeled my inner commems for that post.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73628 Posts |
Very informative, thank you for posting. Errers and Varietys.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
I too have this Commemorative, Her Accented Hair design is Outstanding, Finely detailed, And the Reverse, Having stars representing All crew members lost. A Powerful- Historical sentiment en-capsuled in a Well Deserved Commemorative Coin, ...... |
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Valued Member
United States
425 Posts |
I do not have this commemorative. Seven people died in that tragedy, yet only one was honored by name and image. That made it an easy pass.
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Moderator
United States
15386 Posts |
Well said CelticKnot. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Moderator
United States
94728 Posts |
very nice Celtic! |
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New Member
United States
26 Posts |
The US Mint could have honored the other six on an accompanying medal. They dropped the ball with this one.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
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The US Mint could have honored the other six on an accompanying medal. They dropped the ball with this one. Considering the US Space Program has had other accidents that resulted in astronaut deaths - Apollo I (1967) and the Columbia Space Shuttle (2003) come to mind - I think a medal honoring all lost would be better. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
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The US Mint could have honored the other six on an accompanying medal. They dropped the ball with this one. A silver medal sold along with the silver dollar... I would have been all over that. I love the coin and medal sets. |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:
Considering the US Space Program has had other accidents that resulted in astronaut deaths - Apollo I (1967) and the Columbia Space Shuttle (2003) come to mind - I think a medal honoring all lost would be better. Indeed.  |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 987 |
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Posted 01/29/2025 09:42 am
