2010 Orbit and Beyond First Space Shuttle 1oz Silver Coin

As NASA's first re-useable launch vehicle, Columbia heralded the start of a new era in space exploration. The revolutionary craft took off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 12 April 1981, with Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen at the controls. Completing 37 Earth orbits during its 1,074,567 mile flight, Columbia glided back to Earth and landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California on 14 April.

Struck by The Perth Mint, the coin comprises 1oz of 99.9% pure silver with a central core made of non-precious metal. The coin's coloured reverse portrays a montage of images symbolising a Space Shuttle launching into orbit.

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 25,000 of these "orbital" coins. Each coin, which is protected by an acrylic capsule, is housed in an elliptical-shaped silver display case.

The case comes in a blue box-shipper depicting a Shuttle blast-off.

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.