WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The American Innovation $1 Coin commemorating Alabama pays homage to the development of the Saturn V rocket, vital to the Apollo space program's lunar exploration efforts. From 1967 to 1973, NASA launched 13 Saturn V rockets.
The Saturn V rockets were engineered and constructed at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, under the guidance of aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun, the Saturn V rocket stood at an impressive 363 feet tall, equivalent to a 36-story building. During liftoff, it generated 7.6 million pounds of thrust, surpassing the power of 85 Hoover Dams. The first Saturn V launch for the Apollo 4 mission happened in 1967, with the final launch in 1973 transporting the Skylab space station into Earth's orbit.
Characteristics of the coin include the Statue of Liberty on one side, along with a gear symbolizing industry and innovation. The reverse side shows the Saturn V rocket's ascent with the moon in the backdrop.
“Alabama is a state of innovators, and the Saturn V rocket perfectly exemplifies that. It was Alabamians who helped put man on the moon, and today, we remain committed to ensuring our country is not only on the forefront of space exploration, but innovation in all areas,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “We are proud to now see the Saturn V rocket displayed on this coin and are honored to have Alabama and her people represented in this special, commemorative way.”
Alabama's coin, the second release of 2024, became available for purchase on April 8 as part of the U.S. Mint's American Innovation program. Each coin has the Statue of Liberty and "IN GOD WE TRUST" with the year of minting, mint mark, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" engraved on the edge.
The coins are available for purchase in rolls of 25 for $34.50 or bags of 100 for $117.50.
