1988-P Gold Medal D1988-1b, 21mm Space Shuttle

Coin Details

Description

The 1988-P U.S. Mint Space Shuttle gold medal, cataloged as Swoger D1988-1b, is a 21mm gold commemorative produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Young Astronauts Program medal series. The Young Astronauts Council was a nonprofit educational initiative launched in 1984 by President Reagan to inspire youth interest in science, mathematics, and technology through the excitement of space exploration. The U.S. Mint produced a series of medals in gold, silver, and bronze to support the program, with proceeds benefiting the Council's educational activities. The obverse features the Space Shuttle in flight, rendered on the small 21.6mm gold planchet with the precision that Philadelphia Mint engraving permitted at this scale. The "P" mintmark identifies the striking facility. The shuttle design captures the vehicle in its most dynamic profile, ascending through the atmosphere with the external tank and solid rocket boosters attached. The reverse carries inscriptions identifying the Young Astronauts program and the medal's commemorative purpose, with the Swoger catalog designator D1988-1b distinguishing this specific die variety within the series. The Swoger catalog, compiled by researcher William Swoger, provides the definitive reference system for U.S. Mint medals from the modern era. The "D1988-1" base designation identifies this as the first medal design of 1988, with the "b" suffix indicating a specific die variety or striking characteristic. The gold composition and small diameter place this medal in the premium tier of the Young Astronauts series, intended for collectors and supporters willing to pay a significant premium over the bronze and silver versions.

Rarity Notes

U.S. Mint issue, Philadelphia mintmark. Gold composition in the 21mm format was the premium offering in the Young Astronauts medal series. Limited production typical of Mint gold medal issues. Swoger D1988-1b die variety.

Cross References

PCGS #20513; NGC #500159; Swoger D1988-1b; Young Astronauts Program (1984-)