The final release from the Orbit and Beyond Series celebrates the launch of the first space shuttle and features another extraordinary reverse design that literally ‘orbits' around a central image of the Earth.

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.

Comprising 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands. Housed in distinctive display packaging that is familiar to the many fans of this outstanding series, just 25,000 highly-original First Man On The Moon coins will by released.