1988-P Medal D1988-3a, Young Astronauts Space Shuttle 38mm

Coin Details

Description

The 1988-P U.S. Mint Young Astronauts Space Shuttle bronze medal, cataloged as Swoger D1988-3a, is the 38mm bronze version of the medal series produced at the Philadelphia Mint to support the Young Astronauts Program. As the most affordable format in the series, the bronze medal was designed for the broadest possible distribution, allowing students, educators, and space enthusiasts to own an official U.S. Mint product commemorating the educational initiative. The obverse features the Space Shuttle in its launch configuration, combining the shuttle theme used on the gold D1988-1 medals with the larger 38.1mm format of the silver D1988-2 medals. This bronze version provides the most detailed rendering of the shuttle design available in the series, taking advantage of the full 38mm diameter to capture the vehicle, external tank, and solid rocket boosters with greater fidelity than the smaller gold format allowed. The "P" mintmark and Young Astronauts program inscriptions identify the medal's origin and purpose. The Swoger D1988-3a designation indicates this is the first variety of the third design in the 1988 medal program — the bronze Space Shuttle composition. The "3a" numbering indicates this is the primary die variety, potentially the only one produced in this composition. Bronze medals from the U.S. Mint typically saw larger production runs than their gold and silver counterparts, as the lower price point encouraged wider distribution. The Young Astronauts Program reached its peak participation in the late 1980s, with chapters in schools across the country and international affiliates in several nations.

Rarity Notes

U.S. Mint issue, Philadelphia mintmark. Bronze composition at 38.1mm, Swoger D1988-3a variety. The most widely produced format in the Young Astronauts medal series due to the accessible price point.

Cross References

PCGS #20523; NGC #500159; Swoger D1988-3a; Young Astronauts Program