2019-D Apollo Astronaut "golden" dollar prototype over-strike on small dollar

In 1998 before Sacagawea was chosen as the theme for the new US Mint small "golden" dollar circulating coin, an Apollo Astronaut prototype designed by Daniel Carr was considered by the US Mint and Congress as a possible design. Renderings of it were featured in numerous publications including Coin World (front pages - March 30, 1998 and April 13, 1998 issues).

The obverse of this new version shows an Apollo Astronaut on the moon with a flag, Lunar Lander, and Earth in the background. The 13 stars in the background symbolize the future colonization of space. The "D" represents a "Denver" mint mark. A small "DC" (designer's initials) are visible at the bottom center.

The reverse shows an Eagle soaring above the Sun, similar to the original version which became one of seven finalists for the reverse of the Sacagawea Dollar. Eleven major rays are a reference to the first manned Moon landing mission - Apollo 11.

Struck over US Mint small "golden" dollar coins - (Sacagawea, Presidents). 2019 will be the 50th anniversary of the first manned Moon landing in 1969. In support of a bill pending on Congress to eliminate the dollar bill in favor of a dollar coin, examples of this concept pattern will be forwarded to the US Mint, US Congress, and other involved parties.

Size: 27mm.
Composition: Struck over a US small-size "golden" dollar (Sacagawea, President).
Edge: Reeded.
Finish: Satin.
Final Mintage: See home page.
Holder: 2x2 non-PVC "flip".

More information about Daniel Carr's Dollar coin designs can be seen at: Mike Wallace's Small Dollars web page