Sputnik anniversary coin blasts off

Sputnik anniversary coin blasts off

On 4 October 1957 the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR) launched Sputnik I into orbit and began the space race. Now a half century later, the New Zealand Mint has produced a special limited edition commemorative coin celebrating that fantastic human achievement.

The limited release coins are legal tender in Fiji and are made from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver; only 6,000 of each coin are being produced for milky-way distribution.

One side the special limited-edition coin features an image of the distinctive orb satellite above its home planet, the four tonne R-7 rocket that blasted it into space and the flag of the USSR, and the other side features Queen Elizabeth II.

New Zealand Mint General Manager Mark Sutton says the company is very proud to produce such a unique collectable on the 50th anniversary of this milestone of human achievement.

“The orbit of Sputnik I marked humanity’s first steps toward the heavens and it’s no surprise that there is a lot of interest from collectors across the planet looking to own a piece commemorating this special occasion in human history,” says Mr Sutton.

Sputnik, which literally means ‘traveling companion’ in Russian, was a metallic aluminium sphere measuring 58cm across (23 inches) and weighing only 83.6kg (184 pounds). It had four antennas that were 2.4-2.9m long pointing to one side. It travelled an elliptical orbit that took it around the Earth every 96 minutes at a height of about 250km (150 miles) and traveling at 29,000 kilometers (18,000 miles) per hour

The beautifully coloured and engraved coin is presented in a specially designed globe case. An original sound recording of Sputnik’s audio transmission is played when the box is opened.

“Sputnik I stayed in orbit for just 22 days, the Sputnik commemorative coin will last forever as a collectable memento of one of humankind’s greatest achievements,” says Mr Sutton.

On the Web: www.newzealandmint.com

ends

© Scoop Media