FRAMINGHAM, MA and PHILADELPHIA, PA - The United States Mint has begun taking orders for a 2021 Silver Dollar to commemorate Christa McAuliffe, who grew up in the and went on the become the First Teacher in Space and was tragically killed in the 1986 NASA Challenger Space Shuttle explosion.

Christa McAuliffe, who was born Sharon Christa Corrigan, but known as "Christa" since childhood, grew up off Water Street and graduated from Framingham's Marian High School in 1966. She went on to earn her bachelors degree at Framingham State College, studying American History and Education, then earned her Masters Degree in Education from Bowie State College.

In 1985, while Christa was a social studies teacher in Concord, New Hampshire she was selected to be the first participant in NASA’s Teacher in Space Program. On January 28, 1986, McAuliffe and six astronauts were tragically killed during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Her memory and dedication to the future live on in Framingham, and throughout the U.S. and internationally.

The coin features Christa looking towards the future with a hopeful gaze on the front, and on the back depicts her life as a teacher, smiling as she points forward and upward -- symbolizing the future with three students looking on with wonder.

Also on the reverse side of the coin are seven stars, a tribute to those who perished in the Challenger tragedy. Rounding out the design is the inscription: "I TOUCH THE FUTURE. I TEACH", and a small "FIRST" logo.

There is a $10 surcharge with each coin purchased that will go directly to funding FIRST®, (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) a robotics program to engage and inspire young people to become leaders in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) related fields.

The 1.5" reed-edged $1 denomination coin is minted in Philadelphia (with a "P" mint mark), from 26.73 grams of 99.9% silver and available in uncirculated or proof finish.

The silver dollars can be ordered in uncirculated condition for $74 each, or boxed with a "proof" finish for $79 each. There will only be 350,000 in total (including all regular finish uncirculated and proof editions) of these limited edition commemorative silver dollars minted.

Visit the U.S. Mint Website for more information or to order your 2021 Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Silver Dollar online.

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