The United States Mint unveiled proposed designs for the 2021 Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Silver Dollar. McAuliffe, the first teacher chosen to go into space, was among the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion on Jan. 28, 1986.
In 2021, the U.S. Mint will strike and sell up 350,000 silver dollars in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated that commemorate McAuliffe.
Twenty-seven candidate designs for the silver dollar have been unveiled — 12 for the obverse (heads side) and 15 for the reverse (tails side). The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) reviewed these designs on Thursday, June 18. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) will offer their recommendations on Tuesday, June 23.
Final designs will selected by the Treasury Secretary after consulting with the family of McAuliffe, the CFA, the CCAC, and the not-for-profit organization called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire youth interest and participation in science and technology.
The following U.S. Mint line art images show the candidates.
Obverse Candidates Designs
Proposed obverse designs feature a portrait of McAuliffe.
Reverse Candidate Designs
Proposed reverse designs are emblematic of McAuliffe’s legacy as a teacher.
CoinNews will follow up later with an article discussing CFA and CCAC design recommendations.
