Canada’s first woman astronaut honoured on $25 silver collector coin with curved shape, glow-in-the-dark effect
On Jan. 22, 1992, Dr. Roberta Bondar made history when she became Canada’s first woman astronaut and the world’s first neurologist in space.
Twenty-five years ago, she flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as a crew member of Mission STS-42. Canadians can now celebrate her inspiring accomplishment with the world’s first ever curved and glow-in-the-dark silver coin, which was unveiled today by Bondar and Royal Canadian Mint President and CEO Sandra Hanington at a ceremony hosted by Sault College.
“My view from Discovery 25 years ago forever changed my view of Earth and instilled in me a commitment to protect this magnificent planet. This special coin symbolizes the beauty of Earth from space. We need to celebrate our milestones and pioneers as we push the frontiers of discovery,” said Bondar. “Glowing in the dark, the coin represents inspiration and hope for the future and it is an honour to have my role in human space flight recognized in this meaningful way.”
The coin’s reverse design, by Canadian artist Alexandra Lefort, combines vivid colour with glow-in-the-dark effects to recreate a breathtaking view of Earth from space, with a direct focus on Canada. The outer band framing the coin’s central design features Bondar’s name and text highlighting the anniversary of her space mission, as well as a miniature depiction of the space shuttle Discovery, as it appeared on the mission crest of STS-42 crew members.
“As the first Canadian woman to fly in space, Dr. Bondar will always be remembered as a pioneer among Canada’s modern-day explorers,” said Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie. “The Government of Canada is pleased that her achievement of 25 years ago and her ongoing dedication to science have been permanently honoured by the Royal Canadian Mint.”
Hanington said the Mint is “proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Bondar’s historic mission with a coin as innovative as what she achieved for women and all of Canada.”
“This new silver coin captures yet another story of a Canadian reaching for the stars and accomplishing things that will inspire us for generations to come,” she added.
“As a physician, scientist and eventually Canada’s first woman in space, Dr. Bondar has done so much to make her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie and the rest of Canada proud,” said Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano. “My fellow citizens and I are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint has honoured Dr. Bondar’s remarkable achievements with this impressive silver coin.”
The 2017-dated $25 Fine silver coin, “A View of Canada from Space,” has a limited mintage of 8,500 pieces and retails for $159.95. For more information, visit mint.ca.