First Man on the Moon (Neil Armstrong, 1969) Silver Proof 'Orbital' Coin
Country of Origin:  Australia
Production year: 2009
Type: Unknown
UPC: 9-327025-016849
Mint catalogue number: 09N37AAA
Collection number: (#47)
Production mint:  • Perth Mint
Purchase place:  • Perth Mint
Purchase date: 27 February 2010
Purchase price: Hidden
Overview
First Man on the Moon - Neil Armstrong 2009 Silver Proof 'Orbital' Coin

Even though it took place 40 years ago, the Moon landing of July 1969 remains the human race’s greatest technological achievement, and the most eagerly-awaited design theme from the innovative Orbit and Beyond coin program.

The certificate accompanies a special 'orbital' coin, marking the first moon walk in 1969. Struck by The Perth Mint, the coin incorporates 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, and is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands.

On 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong, Commander of NASA's Apollo 11 Moon mission, descended from the Eagle Lunar Module, taking 'one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'. Joined shortly afterwards by Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin, the two astronauts undertook their famous Moon walk, watched by millions of enthralled television viewers at home.

During two and a half hours on the lunar surface, they set up experiments, collected rock samples, jumped across the landscape, and planted the Stars and Stripes flag. They also unveiled a plaque bearing the inscription: "Here men of the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind."

The coin's reverse, which symbolizes Apollo 11's historic journey, includes an image of an astronaut's footprint on the Moon. These elements, which appear on a coloured representation of the Universe, and the border inscription 1969 - FIRST MAN ON THE MOON, orbit around a coloured image of Earth.

The coin's obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2009 year-date and the monetary denomination surrounding another coloured image of Earth.
Images
First Man on the Moon (Neil Armstrong, 1969) Silver Proof 'Orbital' Coin
First Man on the Moon (Neil Armstrong, 1969) Silver Proof 'Orbital' Coin
Specs
 Content
Silver....99.999 %
 Details
Weight (Troy oz)....1
Weight (g)....31.140
Diameter (mm)....38.79
Thickness (mm)....3.75
 Monetary
Year of Issue....2009
Country of Issue....Cook Islands
Denomination....Dollar (CID)
Value....1
 Mintage
Coins Minted....25,000
Certificate of Authenticity....02,093