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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$731 MS70 02-26-2021 eBay

Description

The 1988-P U.S. Mint Space Shuttle gold medal, cataloged as Swoger D1988-1c, is a die variety of the 21mm gold Young Astronauts Program medal struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This piece shares the same basic design as the D1988-1b variety — a Space Shuttle in flight on the obverse with Young Astronauts program inscriptions — but is distinguished by die characteristics cataloged separately by William Swoger in his comprehensive reference work on modern U.S. Mint medals. The Swoger catalog system assigns alphanumeric suffixes to distinguish individual die states, compositions, and varieties within a single medal design. The progression from D1988-1b to D1988-1c indicates a change in some aspect of the die preparation, striking characteristics, or finish that warrants separate cataloging. Both varieties are struck in gold at the Philadelphia Mint with the "P" mintmark and share the 21.6mm diameter established for the small gold format of the Young Astronauts series. The Young Astronauts Program represented one of several 1980s government-supported initiatives to channel the public enthusiasm for space exploration into educational outcomes. By 1988, the program had weathered the aftermath of the January 1986 Challenger disaster and was operating in a space program environment focused on resuming shuttle flights and rebuilding public confidence. The STS-26 mission in September 1988 marked the return to flight with Discovery, making 1988 a year of renewed optimism for American space exploration. The gold medal series supported this mission by generating both revenue and public awareness for youth space education.

Rarity Notes

U.S. Mint issue, Philadelphia mintmark. Die variety D1988-1c of the Young Astronauts gold medal series. Limited production. Distinguished from D1988-1b by specific die characteristics.

Cross References

PCGS #20510; NGC #500159; Swoger D1988-1c; Young Astronauts Program