1988-P Silver Medal D1988-2c, Young Astronauts, Astronaut

Coin Details

Description

The 1988-P U.S. Mint Young Astronauts silver medal, cataloged as Swoger D1988-2c, features an astronaut design on its 38.1mm silver planchet. This is one of several die varieties in the silver format of the Young Astronauts Program medal series, produced at the Philadelphia Mint to support the nonprofit educational initiative founded in 1984 to inspire youth interest in science and space exploration. The obverse features an astronaut figure, capturing the drama and aspiration of human spaceflight at the standard 38.1mm silver medal diameter — the same size used for U.S. Mint silver commemorative coins. The larger format compared to the 21mm gold version allows for greater design detail, and the astronaut imagery differs from the Space Shuttle theme used on the D1988-1 gold medals. The "P" mintmark identifies the Philadelphia striking facility. The reverse carries inscriptions identifying the Young Astronauts program, with the Swoger D1988-2c designation indicating this is the "c" variety of the second 1988 medal design. The silver Young Astronauts medals occupied a middle tier in the series pricing structure — more affordable than the gold versions but carrying greater intrinsic value and collector appeal than the bronze. The 38.1mm diameter matches the standard used for American Silver Eagles and other U.S. Mint silver products, giving the medal a familiar heft and scale for collectors accustomed to government-issue silver. The Young Astronauts Council used the proceeds from these medal sales to fund educational materials, competitions, and outreach programs connecting students with working scientists and astronauts.

Rarity Notes

U.S. Mint issue, Philadelphia mintmark. Silver composition at 38.1mm, Swoger D1988-2c variety. Part of the Young Astronauts medal series supporting youth space education.

Cross References

PCGS #20522; NGC #500168; Swoger D1988-2c; Young Astronauts Program