For many, the cosmos represents the ultimate frontier, a realm of dreams and aspirations. Yet, the journey to space has been far from equitable. Of the select few, 656 individuals, who have ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere, less than 12% have been women. Furthermore, only a handful of nations worldwide have sent women into space, and the aerospace industry itself sees women underrepresented, making up less than 24% of its workforce. Recognizing this disparity and aiming to inspire change, the Cosmic Girls™ Foundation has launched the “Women to Space” coin set, a powerful symbol of inclusivity, featuring a Netherlands 1 Euro Coin 2023.
The “Women to Space” coincard, a limited edition release by the prestigious Royal Dutch Mint in collaboration with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, is more than just a collectible. It’s a statement. This unique space-themed set includes a specially designed “Women to Space” medal alongside a genuine Netherlands 1 Euro coin. The core mission behind this initiative is to elevate the visibility of women in space-related fields and empower young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Cosmic Girls aims to ignite a spark in young minds, encouraging them to “Dream! Dare! Do!” and realize that even the extraordinary feat of space travel is within their reach.
Cosmic Girls Foundation is dedicated to reshaping the narrative around women in space. Their mission directly tackles the underrepresentation statistics by fostering gender equality within the space sector, both for current professionals and future generations. The foundation provides comprehensive astronaut training programs, enriches STEM education, cultivates essential life skills through partnerships with non-profit organizations globally, and uniquely offers the opportunity for deserving girls to experience space firsthand. Through these multifaceted programs, Cosmic Girls™ is establishing itself as the premier international platform for nurturing female astronaut talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds across the globe, effectively building a robust pipeline of future female space explorers.
The design of the “Women to Space” coin is rich in symbolism. Perhaps the most striking element is the astronaut’s “gravity-defying hair,” an iconic image associated with female astronauts working aboard the International Space Station (ISS). While not every woman may be immediately identifiable by this feature, the symbolism of freely flowing hair powerfully represents the breaking of barriers and the boundless possibilities for women in space. The obverse side of the coincard showcases a female astronaut proudly holding her helmet, a visual representation of achieving the ultimate dream of space travel. To the left is the “Women to Space” medal, and to the right, the prominent Netherlands 1 Euro coin, completing this symbolic set. The reverse of the coincard features the Cosmic Girls logo and a line drawing of a female astronaut, reinforcing the message of female empowerment in space exploration.
The “Women to Space” medal itself is intricately designed. The obverse depicts the Earth at its center, surrounded by the orbiting planets of our solar system, placing our home within the vastness of space. The reverse of the medal features an astronaut encircled by a rocket and constellations, further emphasizing the themes of space travel and discovery. The text “Women in Space” is prominently displayed at the top right, clearly stating the medal’s purpose and message.
Specifications Medal
| Metal | Cu/Ni |
|---|---|
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Weight | 9.33 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mintage | 5.000 |
The inclusion of the Netherlands 1 Euro coin 2023 within the “Women to Space” coincard adds a unique numismatic element to this inspiring initiative. This coin set serves as a valuable collectible and a potent symbol of progress, encouraging future generations of women to reach for the stars and break through any perceived limitations in the pursuit of their dreams in space and beyond.
