McAuliffe Silver Dollar Bill Signed Into Law

Commemorative silver dollar coins paying tribute to American teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe will be a reality in 2021 thanks to the recent advancement of authorizing legislation.

The bill, termed the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act of 2019, passed the Senate July 9. It then passed the House on Sept. 19, and on Oct. 9 the bill became law when it was signed by President Trump.

McAuliffe was one of the seven astronauts aboard the Challenger shuttle who died when the craft exploded upon liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986.

The Act stipulates that proof and uncirculated versions of the silver dollar be minted with a production limit of 350,000.

Proceeds of coin sales are set to benefit the non-profit organization, FIRST, “For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology,” whose mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators.