The US Mint is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing by issuing a special two-coin half dollar proof set that commemorates both the space program and President John F. Kennedy’s commitment to bringing it to success.

One coin is a nickel-clad 2019 half dollar proof from the Apollo 11 50^th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program. The other is a special enhanced reverse proof JFK half dollar, also made of the same nickel-clad copper used in current “silver” coins. Both coins carry the San Francisco “S” mint mark.

The Apollo 11 Coin
The Apollo 11 half dollar commemorates the 1969 moon landing and the missions leading up to it. The obverse (face) of the coin carries the iconic footprint of Armstrong’s boot on the moon’s surface. It’s surrounded above by the names Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, representing the missions leading up to the landing. The mission names are separated by phases of the Moon. The inscription “Liberty” rests below the footprint, which is flanked by “2019” on the left and “In God We Trust” on the right.

The coin’s reverse features a rendering of the famous “Buzz Aldrin on the Moon” photograph that shows the reflection in Aldrin’s helmet visor of Armstrong standing next to a US flag and the lunar lander. Inscriptions include “United States of America,” “Half Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”

The JFK Half Dollar
The JFK reverse proof half dollar is the same design currently in circulation but produced as a “reverse proof.” It has Kennedy’s profile on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

As the term implies, the surfaces of a reverse proof are the opposite of those on a regular proof coin. The field (background) has a matte finish and the raised areas, known as devices, are polished and mirror-like. This gives extra prominence to the artistic elements of the design.

The manufacturing process of reverse proofs is similar to that of regular proof coins in that the coin blanks (planchets) are polished and the dies are meticulously selected and finished.

But instead of frosting the surface as is done with regular proof coins, the die is polished for a glossy surface. The dies are then scanned and a laser etches a frosting into the background (field) leaving the raised areas (devices) of the finished coin shiny and mirror-like.

Learn more about Reverse Proofs

Special Packaging Adds Impact
The two coins are packaged in a tri-fold holder with a photo of the Apollo 11 launch on its cover. Inside are details about the mission and President Kennedy’s commitment to the US space program. The folder has an outer sleeve with a photo of the Earth rising over the Moon on its front and a Certificate of Authenticity on the back.

Sales Support Worthy Causes
$5 for each half dollar sold are authorized to be paid to three recipient organizations. Half of the total is authorized to be paid to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s “Destination Moon” exhibit; one quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; and one quarter to the Astronauts Scholarship Foundation.

Collecting Commemorative Coins
The US Mint has produced several commemorative coins and coin sets over the years, and they’re a popular subject for both collectors and gift-givers. Other medals and tokens are available from private dealers and collectors. Many offer unique insights into history and some are quite valuable.

You can learn more about the subject from numerous sources on the internet and libraries and from affinity groups like the Medal Collectors of America.

The Great American Coin Company offers collectible US proof and mint sets and US bullion coins at attractive prices. They’re just some of the many ways we serve collectors and investors around the world. Visit our website, greatamericancoincompany.com, for more information. And be sure to check back often as our selections are constantly changing.