Program Commemorated On The Back Of Eisenhower Dollar Coin
The Eisenhower dollar coin, which was minted from 1971 to 1978, features a design on its reverse side that commemorates a significant achievement in American history. The program that is depicted on the back of the coin is the Apollo 11 moon landing, which happened on July 20, 1969.
The Apollo 11 Mission
The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned spaceflight to land on the moon. The mission was launched on July 16, 1969, and the spacecraft, which consisted of the Command Module Columbia and the Lunar Module Eagle, landed on the moon four days later.
The mission was led by Commander Neil Armstrong, who became the first person to set foot on the moon. He was joined by Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins.
The Design of the Eisenhower Dollar Coin
The design on the back of the Eisenhower dollar coin was created by Frank Gasparro, who was the chief engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The design features an eagle landing on the moon with the earth in the background.
Around the edge of the coin, there is the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," which is Latin for "out of many, one." Below the eagle, there is also the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination of the coin, which is "ONE DOLLAR."
The Significance of the Eisenhower Dollar Coin
The Eisenhower dollar coin was the first U.S. coin to depict a modern event on its reverse side. It was also the first U.S. coin to have a diameter of 1.5 inches, which made it larger than the previous silver dollar.
The coin was intended to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a five-star general in the U.S. Army and served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. However, the design on the back of the coin was chosen to commemorate the Apollo 11 mission instead.
The Legacy of the Eisenhower Dollar Coin
The Eisenhower dollar coin was only in circulation for eight years, but it remains a significant piece of American history. It is a reminder of the Apollo 11 mission and the achievement of landing on the moon, as well as the legacy of President Eisenhower.
Today, the Eisenhower dollar coin is a popular item among coin collectors. It is also a symbol of the ingenuity and perseverance of the American people, and a testament to the country's commitment to exploration and discovery.
Conclusion
The program commemorated on the back of the Eisenhower dollar coin is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the American people. The Apollo 11 mission was a significant achievement in American history, and the Eisenhower dollar coin serves as a reminder of that achievement. Today, the coin is a popular item among coin collectors and a symbol of the legacy of President Eisenhower.