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The 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Half Dollar Set was released by the United States Mint to commemorate one of the most iconic achievements in American history: the successful moon landing of July 20, 1969. This historic mission saw astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin take humanity's first steps on the lunar surface while Michael Collins remained in orbit. The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary coin program was authorized by Congress through the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act, passed in 2016, which called for the production of special curved coins to mark the 50th anniversary of this monumental event. Among the coins issued under this program, the Half Dollar Set stands out for its appeal to collectors of both modern commemoratives and U.S. clad coinage, while celebrating one of the greatest technological achievements of the 20th century.
The 2019 Apollo 11 Half Dollar Set includes two coins: one minted in Proof at the San Francisco Mint and the other struck in Uncirculated quality at the Denver Mint. Both coins share the same innovative concave obverse and convex reverse design, a hallmark of the entire Apollo 11 commemorative series. These coins are composed of the standard cupronickel clad alloy used for circulating half dollars, with a composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The set offers collectors the opportunity to own both finishes of the Apollo 11 commemorative half dollar in a specially designed package that includes historical context and presentation materials to enhance the significance of the coins.
The obverse of the Apollo 11 half dollar features a striking representation of a footprint on the lunar surface, paying homage to Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The footprint appears on the textured lunar regolith, designed to appear as though it has been pressed into the moon’s dusty surface. The inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO” honor the three NASA programs that led up to and enabled the lunar landing. Also included are “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “2019.” The design was created by Gary Cooper, winner of the U.S. Mint’s design competition, and sculpted by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna. On both the Proof and Uncirculated versions, the details of the footprint and the subtle texture of the lunar surface are clearly defined and visually engaging.
The reverse of the coin features an incredibly detailed rendering of the iconic photo taken by Neil Armstrong of Buzz Aldrin standing on the lunar surface. Reflected in Aldrin’s helmet visor are Armstrong, the American flag, and the lunar module, all shown in the helmet’s curved contour. This image was selected for its powerful symbolism and historical authenticity, capturing the moment through the eyes of the astronauts themselves. The inscriptions on the reverse include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “HALF DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The reverse was designed by Phebe Hemphill, who also sculpted the design, and her mastery in capturing the image within the coin’s convex surface is evident in the visual depth and realism of the scene.
One of the standout features of the 2019 Apollo 11 Half Dollar Set is the use of domed technology, previously employed only in the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins. The concave obverse and convex reverse mirror the shape of an astronaut’s helmet and give the coin a distinctive and tactile appeal. This shape enhances the storytelling capability of the designs, especially on the reverse, where the curvature mimics the visor of the astronaut’s helmet, making the reflection effect all the more authentic. Both coins are struck with precision and high-quality dies to ensure full detail across the domed surfaces.
The Proof half dollar in the set was struck at the San Francisco Mint and bears the “S” mintmark. As is typical of U.S. Mint Proofs, the coin features frosted design elements set against mirror-like backgrounds, producing a sharp contrast that highlights the artistic depth of the design. In the Apollo 11 Proof coin, the polished fields and detailed frosted devices bring out the clarity of the footprint, the program names, and the reflected figures in the helmet visor. The reverse’s fine lines and contours shimmer under light, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional effect. The coin is produced using multiple strikes and polished dies, resulting in a superb level of craftsmanship.
The Uncirculated version was struck at the Denver Mint and carries the “D” mintmark. Although lacking the mirrored finish of the Proof, the Uncirculated coin displays a satin-like sheen and sharp details due to the specialized Mint process for collector-grade coins. This finish provides a more natural, matte texture to both obverse and reverse, which many collectors appreciate for its classic aesthetic. In hand, the Uncirculated coin still showcases the dramatic depth and artistic complexity of the Apollo 11 design, and its well-preserved fields, absence of contact marks, and full strike make it a standout example of modern Mint production.
The U.S. Mint produced a total of 750,000 Apollo 11 Half Dollars across all formats, with a maximum of 100,000 Half Dollar Sets specifically created for this two-coin packaging. The Half Dollar Set sold briskly upon release due to the historical significance of the event, the innovative design, and the appeal of owning both a Proof and Uncirculated example together. Many sets have since been certified by third-party grading services such as PCGS and NGC, with top-grade examples commanding premiums in the secondary market. Still, even raw sets remain desirable for collectors of U.S. commemorative coins, space exploration memorabilia, and modern Mint issues.
Condition-wise, the 2019 Apollo 11 Half Dollar Set, when preserved in its original Mint packaging, is typically found in pristine condition. The protective capsule and outer box shield the coins from environmental damage, fingerprints, and scratches. Collectors who have maintained their sets properly will find both coins free of toning or spotting, with surfaces that retain their full luster. Certified MS69 or PR69 and MS70 or PR70 examples are especially coveted, reflecting coins that exhibit near-perfect preservation and flawless presentation.
The 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Half Dollar Set stands as a compelling tribute to human achievement and the spirit of exploration. With its innovative domed design, powerful visual imagery, and dual-mint production, the set represents a modern milestone in U.S. commemorative coinage. It connects the legacy of spaceflight with the art of numismatics, offering collectors a piece of history they can hold. Whether acquired as part of a broader Apollo 11 coin program collection or treasured on its own, this set captures the awe and pride of a moment that changed the world, rendered in miniature with enduring elegance and patriotic reverence.