The Southern Sky coin series has released its third and final coin from the Royal Australian Mint. This coin, a domed $5 piece named Orion, was struck by former NASA astronaut Richard Hieb.
Orion joins the first two coins in the series: Crux, released in 2012; and Pavo, released in 2013. Falling in line with the same theme as these other coins, the Orion coin features the constellation for which it was named. All three coins are color printed and dome-shaped, and were struck in 1 troy ounce of 99.9% silver to proof quality.
Hieb has been in space three times, and broke a 20-year record for the longest spacewalk during his career as an astronaut. He describes the coin as reflective of the wonder and beauty of space. His goal is for it to serve as a way for people to appreciate the possibilities that space programs and space exploration bring.
You can own these coins yourself at the Royal Australian Mint’s online store.
Courtesy of World Mint News Blog