Australia (Commonwealth)_In a remarkable x of Australia’s rich history in space exploration, the Royal Australian Mint has unveiled its inaugural space-themed Australian Commemorative coin of 2024.
Aptly named “Out of this World – Australia in Space,” the coin’s theme was meticulously selected to showcase the nation’s pivotal role as one of the earliest pioneers in satellite launches and the country’s significant contributions to space exploration.
The reverse side of the coin, or tails, is adorned with a captivating depiction of an Australian astronaut embarking on a spacewalk, accompanied by a historical moment—the launch of WRESAT-1 in 1967 on a modified U.S. Redstone rocket. This satellite, designed for upper atmospheric radiation measurement experiments, solidified Australia’s standing as the seventh nation globally and the third to independently launch from its own territory, following the esteemed footsteps of the Soviet Union and the United States. The intricate design also incorporates Earth, with a distinct view of the Australian continent, and pays homage to the nation’s role in transmitting the live television signal during the groundbreaking Apollo 11 moon landing. Additionally, a nod is given to an Australian-built robotic rover poised to explore the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Artemis program.
While not explicitly stated by the mint, the astronaut featured on the coin could be a subtle acknowledgment of Andrew Thomas, the first Australia-born career astronaut, or Paul Scully Powers, the inaugural Aussie in space as an oceanographer on a U.S. space shuttle. Along the coin’s border, significant space-related keywords such as “rovers, technology, rockets, astronauts, satellites, communications, GPS, astronomy, exploration, and discovery” are inscribed.
Collaborating closely with the Australian Space Agency, the mint underscores the critical role of space in everyday life and its contribution to addressing global challenges. The 1-inch aluminum bromide coin, weighing 0.3 ounces, boasts a legal tender of one dollar and serves as a collectible without being classified as a limited edition. Notably, this uncirculated coin also marks the first commemorative piece to feature the effigy of King Charles III on its obverse, or heads side, adding a regal touch to this stellar celebration of Australia’s space exploration legacy.
