Celebrating Space Pioneers: Coins and Medals Honoring Astronauts

The Apollo 11 Commemorative Half Dollar was issued in 1969 to mark the historic event of the first manned landing on the moon.

Alan Shepard was the first American astronaut to travel into space, and he was honored on a U.S. coin in 1961.

NASA issued a series of coins honoring its astronauts, beginning with the Apollo 11 Commemorative Half Dollar in 1969.

The Alan Shepard Commemorative Half Dollar was issued in 1961 to honor the first American astronaut to travel into space.

Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space, was honored on a coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The Royal Australian Mint issued an Apollo 11 Commemorative Silver Dollar in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon.

NASA issued a coin to commemorate the first spacewalk, which was conducted by astronaut Ed White in 1965.

The United States Mint issued a Sally Ride Commemorative Silver Dollar in 2020 to honor the first American woman in space.

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to walk in space, was honored on a coin issued by the Bank of England.

The Royal Canadian Mint issued a Chris Hadfield Commemorative Silver Dollar in 2013 to mark the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space.

NASA issued a coin to commemorate the first space station, which was the International Space Station (ISS).

The United States Mint issued a Guion Bluford Commemorative Silver Dollar in 2022 to honor the first African American astronaut.

Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, was honored on a coin issued by the Central Bank of Russia.

The Royal Australian Mint issued an Andy Thomas Commemorative Silver Dollar in 2012 to mark the first Australian astronaut.

CNSA issued a coin to commemorate the first Chinese astronaut in space, Yang Liwei.