Alabama Saturn V Rocket

Alabama Saturn V Rocket- The reverse (tails) design depicts the power and force of the Saturn V rocket lifting off with the Moon in the background.

The edge-incused inscriptions are “2024,” mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Please select the Mint and the Packaging from the options below.

2024 Alabama American Innovation $1 Coin – Celebrating the Saturn V Rocket and Space Exploration

The 2024 American Innovation $1 Coin representing Alabama honors one of the most iconic achievements in aerospace history: the invention and development of the Saturn V rocket. This powerful launch vehicle was instrumental in the success of NASA’s Apollo space program, which enabled human exploration of the Moon and marked a defining moment in American innovation and scientific progress.

The Saturn V rocket was designed and built at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, under the leadership of renowned aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun. As the largest and most powerful rocket ever successfully flown, the Saturn V was a marvel of engineering and a symbol of American ingenuity during the Space Race.

Standing at 363 feet tall—equivalent to a 36-story building—the Saturn V was classified as a Heavy Lift Vehicle. It generated an astonishing 7.6 million pounds of thrust at launch, producing more power than 85 Hoover Dams combined. This immense force was necessary to propel astronauts and equipment beyond Earth’s atmosphere and toward the Moon.

NASA launched a total of 13 Saturn V rockets between 1967 and 1973, beginning with the Apollo 4 mission, which served as an uncrewed test flight. The rocket’s most famous mission was Apollo 11, which carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the Moon in 1969, culminating in the first human steps on the lunar surface. The final Saturn V launch occurred in 1973, when the rocket was used to deliver Skylab, America’s first space station, into Earth orbit.

The Saturn V’s success was not only a technological triumph but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of thousands of engineers, scientists, and technicians—many of whom worked in Alabama. The rocket’s development helped establish Huntsville as a hub for aerospace innovation and earned it the nickname “Rocket City.”

Design Details of the 2024 Alabama American Innovation $1 Coin

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a bold and elegant profile of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom, opportunity, and innovation. This side also includes a privy mark in the shape of a stylized gear, representing the spirit of industry and technological advancement that defines the American Innovation coin series.

The reverse (tails) design captures the raw power and energy of the Saturn V rocket lifting off, with the Moon prominently displayed in the background. The imagery evokes the excitement and ambition of the Apollo missions and highlights Alabama’s critical role in space exploration.

The edge-incused inscriptions include:

• “2024” – the year of minting
• Mint mark – indicating the production facility
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – Latin for “Out of many, one,” a motto of unity

Why the Alabama Innovation Coin Matters

The 2024 Alabama American Innovation $1 Coin is more than a commemorative piece—it’s a celebration of a transformative moment in history. The Saturn V rocket represents the pinnacle of American engineering and the bold vision that propelled humanity into space. By honoring this achievement, the coin recognizes Alabama’s vital contribution to science, technology, and exploration.

Whether you’re a coin collector, a space enthusiast, or someone passionate about American innovation, this coin is a meaningful addition to any collection. It commemorates a legacy of discovery, ambition, and excellence that continues to inspire future generations.