2001 Apollo Astronaut Large Bronze Model Proof

In 1998 before Sacagawea was chosen as the theme for the new US Mint small "golden" dollar circulating coin, this Apollo Astronaut prototype obverse 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).

It shows an Apollo Astronaut on the moon with a flag. At the time this coin was designed in 1998, nobody knew when the US Mint small "golden" dollars would first be issued. So the design was given a "2001" date, in honor of the movie "2001 A Space Odyssey". The Astronaut's face and headset (microphone) can be seen through the helmet visor. The 13 stars in the background symbolize the future colonization of space. The large "D" represents a "Denver" mint mark. A small "DC" (designer's initials) are visible to the left of the bottom of the flag pole.

This design was sculpted in 3D by Daniel Carr, and this proof was made using a wax transfer and bronze casting from the original 3D model.

Only three of these were made. The back is smooth except for a hand-engraved signature and the issue number "1/3" (#1 of 3 made). Plain edge. Bronze, 8.25 inch diameter, 5/8" thick, about 10 pounds. Finished with an orange-brown patina. The Sacagawae dollar is shown for size and color comparison.

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