2026 Coins Sent to Outer Space

On May 15, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was launched on a mission to the International Space Station. Onboard were supplies and equipment for the orbiting laboratory—and 2026 U.S. circulating coins honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

Launched into Space

U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis attended the launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida. According to NASA, the rocket carried nearly 6,500 pounds of cargo for the station’s Expedition 74 crew, along with eight America 250 coins (nickel, dime, half dollar, and five quarters—one of each design).

This flight adds the semiquincentennial issues to a broader history of U.S. coins that have journeyed beyond Earth. For example, in 1999, a dozen 2000-W gold proof Sacagawea dollars flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, traveling about 1.8 million miles. Seven of those coins sold in 2025 for prices ranging from $360,001 to $550,001.

The U.S. Mint announced the 2026 coins’ flight on its Facebook page but has not yet stated whether the coins will remain aboard the station or return to Earth. The rocket is scheduled to make its way home in mid-June.

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