As NASA’s first re-useable launch vehicle, Columbia heralded the start of a new era in space exploration. The revolutionary craft took off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 12 April 1981, with Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen at the controls. Completing 37 Earth orbits during its 1,074,567 mile flight, Columbia glided back to Earth and landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California on 14 April.
99.9% Pure Silver
Struck by The Perth Mint, the coin comprises 1oz of 99.9% pure silver with a central core made of non-precious metal.
Coloured Reverse Design
The coin’s coloured reverse portrays a montage of images symbolising a Space Shuttle launching into orbit. The design, which includes the border inscription 1981 - FIRST SPACE SHUTTLE, ‘orbits’ around a coloured image of Earth.
Issued As Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands, the coin's obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2010 year-date surrounding another coloured image of the Earth.
Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 25,000 of these ‘orbital’ coins.
Elliptical-Shaped Display Case
Each coin, which is protected by an acrylic capsule, is housed in an elliptical-shaped silver display case. The case comes in a blue box-shipper depicting a Shuttle blast-off.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Silver Content (Troy oz) |
1 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) |
1 |
| Fineness (% purity) |
99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) |
31.140 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) |
38.79 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) |
3.75 |