Space Exploration
Space Exploration
From the Collection of a Prominent West Coast Collector
Auction Closed
July 20, 09:53 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
FROM THE COLLECTION OF A PROMINENT WEST COAST COLLECTOR
FLOWN ON APOLLO 16
LUNAR MODULE PILOT CHARLES DUKE'S FLOWN APOLLO 16 SILVER ROBBINS MEDALLION
FLOWN Apollo 16 Robbins Medallion #15, NGC MS 65 (certificate number: 3044078-003), sterling silver, 35 mm in diameter. Obverse features the mission insignia with an eagle with outstretched wings, reverse engraved with launch, landing, and return dates ("Apr. 16, 1972 | Apr. 20, 1972 | Apr. 27, 1972.") With an Autograph Letter Signed by CHARLES DUKE on his letterhead.
ONE OF ONLY 98 FLOWN OF 300 MINTED — ORIGINALLY FROM THE COLLECTION OF LMP CHARLIE DUKE
Apollo 16 continued with the precedent set by Apollo 15, only flying a portion of the run of medallions struck for the mission. These flown medallions can be identified by the serial number stamped on the rim. The 202 remaining unflown medallions bear no such identifying marks.
Charlie Duke's provenance letter reads: "I hereby certify that Apollo 16 Silver Robbins Medal, serial number 15, is one that was flown with me aboard the Apollo 16 mission to the moon April 16-27, 1972. This medal has been in my collection of Apollo artifacts since the mission. Every time I view one of these medals, I recall my lunar adventure. It was a fantastic experience. I hope that this special medal will always be a source of motivation and inspiration to you. Continue to excell [sic] in your school work and always aim high throughout your life."