25 Cents - Elizabeth II (First Canadian in Space) 2019 front 25 Cents - Elizabeth II (First Canadian in Space) 2019 back
25 Cents - Elizabeth II (First Canadian in Space) 2019 photo
© RCM

25 Cents - Elizabeth II First Canadian in Space

2019 year
Trimetallic: brass core, copper-nickel middle ring and bronze outer ring 51.31 g 50.25 mm
Description
Issuer
Canada
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
2019
Value
25 Cents 0.25 CAD = USD 0.18
Currency
Dollar (1858-date)
Composition
Trimetallic: brass core, copper-nickel middle ring and bronze outer ring
Weight
51.31 g
Diameter
50.25 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#186743
Rarity index
66%

Reverse

The reverse features a central core image of Challenger superimposed over Earth. The realistic design of the space shuttle is surrounded by concentric circles representing different sections of Earth's atmosphere. The inner core represents the troposphere where the shuttle launched, the inner ring is the thermosphere where the shuttle orbited, and the outer ring is outer space. The 35 maple leaves which adorn the outer ring represent the commemorated 35 years, also identified with the "1984–2019" as printed on the coin along with "CANADA."

Script: Latin

Lettering:
CANADA 1984-2019
USA NASA
Challenger
TB

Engraver: Tony Bianco

Edge

Serrated

Comment

October 5, 1984. 7:03:00 a.m. EDT. Blast off. Space Shuttle Challenger lifts off, carrying Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to travel into space. One of the seven crewmembers of Mission STS-41-G, Garneau conducted multiple Canadian-designed experiments as a payload specialist. After 8 days + 5 hours, orbiting Earth 133 times, the astronaut came back to Earth a Canadian hero. He would later set out on two more space flights: STS-77 in 1996 and STS-97 in 2000.

"October 5, 1984. I remember it as if it were yesterday. What an exhilarating and humbling moment! Witnessing Earth from space, one understands how infinitely small we are and yet, how capable we are of immense innovations. I remain forever grateful to have been selected for this historic flight. This homage is a true honour and a splendid token to share an unforgettable moment with my fellow Canadians." Marc Garneau, Astronaut, and first Canadian in space
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the first Canadian in space with this beautiful coin!

Special Features:
FEATURES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY! Your 2019 tri-metallic 25-cent coin honours the 35th anniversary of Marc Garneau's incredible achievement with a Mint first: a ground-breaking design featuring cutting-edge technology.
A MONUMENTAL MILESTONE! Commemorate an iconic piece of Canadian history while celebrating all innovative Canadians.
DISTINCTIVE TRI-METAL DESIGN! Your coin's distinctive tri-metal design rockets the space shuttle through rings representing different layers of the atmosphere.
A CANADIAN ICON! Your coin honours an icon of space travel, Marc Garneau, who was the first Canadian to travel into space.
DOUBLE-DATED! The 35 maple leaves which adorn the outer ring represent the commemorated 35 years, also identified with the double dates of "1984–2019".

Design:
The reverse features a central core image of Challenger superimposed over Earth. The realistic design of the space shuttle is surrounded by concentric circles representing different sections of Earth's atmosphere. The inner core represents the troposphere where the shuttle launched, the inner ring is the thermosphere where the shuttle orbited, and the outer ring is outer space. The 35 maple leaves which adorn the outer ring represent the commemorated 35 years, also identified with the "1984–2019" as printed on the coin along with "CANADA." The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, also surrounded by 35 maple leaves.

"Embracing the challenge of designing a coin with tri-metal technology, I worked with engineers and colleagues to create a coin that outshined all others. We considered each metal's implication and impact in the 3D modelling, and then set about the process, which involved engraving tooling work, 3D rendering and post-production. This is definitely a fascinating addition to my collection!" Ms. Aida Alves: Engraver

Did you know…
As a payload specialist during STS-41-G, Marc Garneau conducted experiments related to space science and technology, as well as life sciences. Payload specialists were nominated for specific shuttle missions by NASA and other space agencies, based on their specific skills and expertise. These highly skilled experts embarked upon missions with precise, specialized duties associated with their education and training.
In December 1983, Marc Garneau was selected to be part of the new Canadian astronaut corps. His training would begin in February 1984.
In addition to being the first space flight to carry a Canadian, the mission boasted numerous other firsts. The mission included the first Australian and was the first with two women, one of whom became the first woman to perform a spacewalk. The team, comprised of seven astronauts, also became the largest crew to ever fly on a spacecraft.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the coin is that it commemorates the first Canadian in space, Chris Hadfield, who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2013. The coin's design features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and an image of Chris Hadfield in his space suit on the other side.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
2019  15000 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 25 Cents - Elizabeth II (First Canadian in Space) 2019 coin.