Kazakhstan Silver & Tantalum Space Series

Here are some photos that better show off the colors of the last three coins.

 

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Some news too: my research indicates that the series will be resuming!
According to the National Bank of Kazakhstan there will be coins released in 2020 and 2021. The theme for 2020 is Belka & Strelka (two dogs who were the first Earth-born creatures to go into orbit and return alive). Then in 2021 it's Salyut-1 (the first space station launched into low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union).

 

Coin #11 in the series - Belka Strelka

Date of release: 03.01.2021
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2,500
Notes: After a hiatus, the series returns! This year returned to the old style of normal greyish color (as opposed to the more colorful 2013-2015). The inner disc is made of tantalum while the outer ring is silver. The mintage sets a new low for the entire series.

Obverse: A few smaller changes include the addition of the emblem of Kazakhstan to the left of the figure and a change in alphabets. Cyrillic has been dropped in favor of Latin letters (the change was announced in 2017, began showing up on coins in 2019, and is to be fully incorporated across the country by 2025).
Reverse: The first dogs to travel in space and safely return-Belka and Strelka.

Quick Fact: One of Strelka's puppies-Pushinka was gifted to President Kennedy by Nikita Khrushchev in 1961.
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My example is pictured below.


More info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_space_dogs

 

Wow some wicket neat coins there.

 

In regards to the switch in alphabets (mentioned on the post regarding the 2020 coin), there have been several changes since the initial decree and the new plan is to transition by 2031.

https://astanatimes.com/2021/02/kaz...phabet-plans-gradual-transition-through-2031/

 

I'm glad I could inspire others! And unfortunately some are hard to find. There used to be a Lunokhod on eBay for around $200 a year or so ago but I don't see any available at the moment. Keep watching eBay (including international sellers) and MA Shops. Another thing to consider is messaging an eBay seller in Kazakhstan who has other coins from this series and see if they can help find one for you.

 

Neat coins, Congratulations!!!

 

Since all of these were NGC slabbed, I kept things consistent and had the 2020 graded as well. Luckily it came back as a 70.

 

Coin #12 in the series - Salyut-1

Date of release: 03.09.2023
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2,500

Notes: Following a long gap with nothing (2016 to 2019), we have a second straight year with a tantalum space coin from Kazakhstan. While the 2020 coin was only a few months late (released March 2021), the 2021 took over 14 months after the last potential day of the year! But the wait was well worth it as the mint again produced a beauty with more vibrant color, reminiscent of the 2013-2015 era. The inner disc is made of tantalum while the outer ring is silver. The mintage ties the low point set in 2020.

Obverse: Similar to 2020, the emblem of Kazakhstan is to the left of the figure and Latin letters are in place of Cyrillic (as has been customary on most coins recently).

Reverse: We have the space station Salyut-1 and a recognition of its 50th anniversary since launch (with the inscription "1971-2021"). Along the silver border the name of the coin is mentioned in three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and English. On the bottom left, Earth's surface is seen from space and BAIKONUR (the launch site of space missions, which is in Kazakhstan) is written in English.

Quick Fact: Salyut-1 was the world's first space station launched into low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union on April 19, 1971. Two missions visited it that year (the first failed to dock while the second was successful-unfortunately the crew died when a valve failed upon Earth reentry). And in October 1971 it was intentionally destroyed because it ran out of fuel before another spacecraft could be sent.
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My example is pictured below.

 

Thanks for bumping this thread. I've always loved these.

Z

 

You're welcome!
It's a slow moving thread based on how long it takes to release these but I always enjoy sharing them.