-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53043
Checkout
The Certified 2019-W $5 Gold Commemorative coin, graded PR70 by PCGS, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, one of the most significant achievements in human history. This coin was issued by the United States Mint as part of a larger commemorative series honoring the first manned lunar landing on July 20, 1969. Apollo 11 remains a defining moment in space exploration and American history, as it marked the first time humans set foot on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal, set in 1961, of landing an American astronaut on the moon before the end of the decade. The 2019 coin program, authorized by Congress, pays tribute to this extraordinary feat of science, engineering, and human determination. The $5 gold piece, in particular, holds a special place in the series as it represents both a historical milestone and a symbol of American ingenuity and leadership in space exploration.
The obverse of the 2019-W $5 Apollo 11 Gold Commemorative features an iconic design that commemorates the astronauts and their mission. The obverse is concave in shape, which provides a unique visual effect that enhances the design. At the center of the design is a powerful representation of an astronaut’s footprint on the lunar surface, symbolizing mankind’s first step onto another celestial body. This footprint has become one of the most enduring images of the Apollo 11 mission, representing the triumph of human achievement and the collective effort that made the moon landing possible. Around the footprint are the inscriptions "MERCURY," "GEMINI," and "APOLLO," the names of the three NASA space programs that led to the moon landing. These inscriptions honor the progression of NASA’s manned spaceflight efforts, with each program building upon the successes and lessons of its predecessor. The date "2019" is also inscribed, along with "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST," standard features of U.S. coinage that connect this commemorative coin to the nation’s broader history and values.
The reverse of the 2019-W $5 Gold Commemorative is convex, a design choice that mirrors the curvature of an astronaut’s helmet and adds an impressive dimensionality to the coin. This side of the coin depicts a reflection seen in the visor of astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s helmet during the famous photograph taken by Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface. In the reflection, Armstrong is visible standing on the moon, with the American flag planted beside him and the lunar lander in the background. This image captures the essence of the Apollo 11 mission, encapsulating the moment when Armstrong took "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The level of detail in the design is extraordinary, with the curvature of the helmet visor adding depth to the scene. The inscriptions on the reverse include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "FIVE DOLLARS," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," underscoring the coin’s legal tender status and its connection to the United States' role in the historic mission.
The 2019-W $5 Gold Commemorative was struck at the West Point Mint, a facility known for producing some of the highest-quality commemorative and proof coins for the U.S. Mint. The "W" mintmark on the obverse of the coin signifies its West Point origin, a hallmark of excellence in modern American numismatics. West Point’s reputation for precision and quality ensures that each coin produced is of the highest standard. Proof coins like this one are struck multiple times using specially prepared dies and planchets, resulting in sharp, detailed designs and a brilliant mirror-like finish. The concave obverse and convex reverse, combined with the proof finish, make this coin particularly striking and unique among U.S. Mint commemoratives.
The mintage of the 2019-W $5 Apollo 11 Gold Commemorative was limited to 50,000 pieces, making it a relatively scarce issue. This limited mintage, coupled with the coin’s flawless PR70 grade from PCGS, enhances its desirability among collectors. A PR70 grade is the highest possible grade a coin can receive, indicating that it is in perfect condition with no visible flaws or imperfections, even under magnification. Coins that achieve this grade are highly sought after by collectors who value both the aesthetic beauty of the coin and its numismatic perfection. The limited mintage and perfect grade make this coin a valuable addition to any collection, particularly for those who appreciate the historical significance of the Apollo 11 mission.
The $5 Gold Commemorative coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% alloy, which gives it a rich, golden hue and ensures its durability. The coin contains a total of 0.2419 troy ounces of gold, providing both intrinsic value and numismatic appeal. While the coin’s gold content adds to its worth as an investment, its true value lies in its commemorative nature, celebrating one of the most iconic moments in human history. The Apollo 11 mission was not just a triumph for NASA but for all of humanity, representing the pinnacle of exploration and human achievement. This $5 gold coin serves as a lasting tribute to the bravery and ingenuity of the astronauts, engineers, and scientists who made the mission possible.
The Certified 2019-W $5 Gold Commemorative PR70 PCGS is more than just a piece of gold; it is a symbol of human exploration and achievement. The combination of flawless craftsmanship, historical significance, and limited mintage makes this coin a standout in any collection. Its perfect PR70 grade ensures that it will remain a treasured piece for years to come, while its connection to one of the most significant events of the 20th century gives it enduring historical and cultural value. As a part of the U.S. Mint’s Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program, this gold coin honors the legacy of the moon landing and the American spirit of discovery, making it a must-have for collectors and space enthusiasts alike.