2009 Apollo Astronaut $2 prototype, bi-metallic silver/brass satin

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

This issue is a recently-revised $2 bi-metallic format. As a proposal for a new US $2 circulating coin, a sample has been forwarded to the US Congress.   If any action is to be taken by the US Government on this proposal, it is likely that the introduction date for any such coin would be no earlier than 2009 (the date given to this prototype).

The obverse shows an Apollo Astronaut on the moon with a flag. 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.

The reverse design evolved from one of seven US Mint finalists for the reverse of the Sacagawea dollar coin. It features an Eagle soaring across the sun with 50 rays (symbolizing the 50 US states).

This design was sculpted in 3D by Daniel Carr, and the dies were made using a direct mechanical transfer from the 3D models.
To comply with US regulations, the reverse of the coin is marked "Two Rollers" rather than "Two Dollars".

Size: 30mm.
Composition: .999 Pure Silver Center (1/4 Troy Ounce) with a Brass Outer Ring.
Weight: 13.6 grams.
Edge: Smooth.
Finish: SATIN.
Final Mintage: 100.
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