On August 8, 1929, the Graf Zeppelin airship began its first flight around the world. Commanded by Hugo Eckener, the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin started and ended its first round-the-world flight in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The entire flight took 21 days, 5 hours, and 31 minutes, making it the fastest circumnavigation of the world during its day.
The airship was named after the pioneer of rigid dirigible airships, Ferdinand Adolf Heinrich August Graf von Zeppelin. Aside from being the first airship to circumnavigate the world, it was also the first airship to cross the Pacific Ocean by air without stopping.
The Graf Zeppelin was the longest and largest airship in the world when it was built. It was used as both a commercial passenger airship, able to accommodate 24 passengers, and as a mail service between Germany and Brazil. The airship made 590 flights during its existence, totaling almost 1.7 million kilometers in airtime. However, after the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 shattered public confidence in rigid airships, it was withdrawn from service on 18 June 1937. It was scrapped for military aircraft production in 1940.
Though the era of rigid airships has ended, the Graf Zeppelin is still remembered by aviation enthusiasts and historians for its feats. Many countries have also immortalized the airship with coins.
For instance, Germany released three commemorative coins in 1930 that honor the Graf Zeppelin airship. These silver coins illustrate the flight that circled around the world with the zeppelin in the middle and a globe behind it. The Zeppelin was also used as a propaganda tool, showcasing the brilliance of German engineering.
Spain also issued a commemorative coin that featured the Graf Zeppelin airship in 2020. The 1.5-euro coin is part of the history of aviation series. It features a colored depiction of the Zeppelin and a two-bladed propeller.
Liberia also issued a history of aviation series in 2,000. The Zeppelin is heavily featured on the silver 20-dollar coin. The airship is depicted to fly over docks,
