1.5 Euro (Bell X-1)
Obverse
Bell X-1 in color. In outer ring geometric figures symbolizing the shapes of the clouds.
Lettering: BELL X-1 ESPAÑA 2020
Reverse
Two-bladed propeller in central circle, in outer ring two turbines separated from each other by lines.
Lettering: HISTORIA DE LA AVIACIÓN 1,5 EURO M
Basic Information
Category
Coin
Ruler
Felipe VI (Wikidata)
Technique
Milled, Coloured
Orientation
medal
Demonetization
No
Face Value
1.5 Euros (Numeric: 1.5)
Series
History of aviation
References
KM #1470
Physical Characteristics
Composition
Copper-nickel
Weight
15 g
Size
33 mm
Shape
Round
Technical Details
Obverse Lettering
BELL X-1 ESPAÑA 2020
Reverse Lettering
HISTORIA DE LA AVIACIÓN 1,5 EURO M
Market Prices by Year
| Date | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Mint | M |
| Mintage | 7,500 |
| G | - |
| VG | - |
| F | - |
| VF | - |
| XF | - |
| AU | - |
| UNC | 17.00EUR |
Comments
On 14 October 1947, taking off from the Muroc Field Base (today Edwards Base), the Bell X-1 experimental plane was the first aircraft in history to exceed the speed of sound, reaching 1,127 Km/h (Mach 1.06) at an altitude of 13,000 m, which produced the characteristic “bang” when it broke the sound barrier above the Mojave desert. It had previously been launched into the air at an altitude of 7,000 m from the cargo hold of a transformed Boeing B-29 “Superfortress” bomber. It had straight short wings (with an 8.5-m wingspan) and was painted in a bright orange colour for greater visibility so that it could be located in case of accident.
On this flight the X-1 was piloted by the USAF captain Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, who gave the plane the nickname of “Glamorous Glennis” in tribute to his wife. Later, on 26 March 1948, with Yeager at the flight controls, the X-1 attained a speed of 1,540 Km/h (Mach 1.45) at an altitude of 21,900 m. This speed and altitude had never previously been achieved by a manned aircraft. Today the Bell X-1 is on display in the Smithsonian Institute of Washington D.C. (USA).
