Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 56

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Mercury Program

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 507		Mercury Program, c1960s, Medallic Art "Mercury Seven" Gold Medallion (14kt gold, 44.7 pwt) A rare gold medallion that was given only to the NASA astronauts and high NASA officials by the company. The is only the third or fourth example of this medallion we have seen in over 20 years of putting together space memorabilia auctions. The medallion shows the Mercury 7 astronauts in high relief on the face and the Mercury 7 symbol and a launch vehicle on the reverse along with the inscription: "Commemorating free man's first adventure beyond the atmosphere / 1958-1963". There are some apparant tape stain/rubs on the reverse which appear not to be that important. The medallion is in its original fitted case with a piece of tape on the top that reads "12". Gold value alone as on this writing (July) is about $1250. Rare. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $940
Lot 508		Mercury Program, Deke Slayton Autograph. On the reverse of his NASA business card. His title is listed as "NASA Astronaut". Unusual. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 509		Mercury Program, c1962, John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton Autographs. On an 8x10" color artist's conception photo of the Apollo capsule in space. A couple of minor discolorations, visible on the reverse only, do not detract. Vivid and unusual. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $42
Lot 510		Mercury Program, 1961, NASA "Mercury 7" Photo. This iconic NASA 8x10" color photo (on Kodak paper) depicts the Mercury 7 astronauts in full flight regalia. The photo is in pristine condition with red ID number. Similar photos have become quite scarce. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex.The Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $118
Lot 511		MR-3, 1961, Original "Freedom 7 / Pad 5" Lapel Pin. This extremely rare lapel pin was issued for America's first sub-orbital space flight by Alan Shepard. It shows the numbers "7" and "5" with "Freedom" engraved on the top bar of the "7" and "Pad" engraved on the curve of the "5". We have never seen a similar pin before and it is doubtful if, given all of the other concerns NASA and the contractor companies had regarding space flight, if many of these pins were made. Excellent condition and probably the first manned space flight lapel pin issued. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $192
Lot 512		MR-4, 1961 FLOWN Movie Film (1.5") This original exposed film was recovered from the Liberty Bell in 2001 after the Liberty Bell capsule was recovered from over 16,000 feet below the ocean waves. The capsule hatch blew prematurely, flooding the capsule after landing in 1961. It took 38 years before the capsule was located and technology had advanced to the point where the capsule, and all it contained could be recovered. The film is mounted in a special, limited edition (No. 669/1999) rectangular piece of clear lucite (8x3x1.75") with descriptive flight information as prepared by Kansas Cosmosphere, the Kansas Museum that restored the capsule after recovery. A printed Kansas Cosmosphere COA is included in the original box. Scarce and attractive. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $114
Lot 513		MR-4, 1961 FLOWN Movie Film (1.5") This original exposed film was recovered from the Liberty Bell in 2001 after the Liberty Bell capsule was recovered from over 16,000 feet below the ocean waves. The capsule hatch blew prematurely, flooding the capsule after landing in 1961. It took 38 years before the capsule was located and technology had advanced to the point where the capsule, and all it contained could be recovered. The film is mounted in a special, limited edition (No. 667/1999) rectangular piece of clear lucite (8x3x1.75") with descriptive flight information as prepared by Kansas Cosmosphere, the Kansas Museum that restored the capsule after recovery. A printed Kansas Cosmosphere COA is included in the original box. Scarce and attractive. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 514		MR-4, 1961 FLOWN Movie Film (1.5") This original exposed film was recovered from the Liberty Bell in 2001 after the Liberty Bell capsule was recovered from over 16,000 feet below the ocean waves. The capsule hatch blew prematurely, flooding the capsule after landing in 1961. It took 38 years before the capsule was located and technology had advanced to the point where the capsule, and all it contained could be recovered. The film is mounted in a special, limited edition (No. 656/1999) rectangular piece of clear lucite (8x3x1.75") with descriptive flight information as prepared by Kansas Cosmosphere, the Kansas Museum that restored the capsule after recovery. A printed Kansas Cosmosphere COA is included in the original box. Scarce and attractive. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 515		MR-4, 1961, "Virgil I. Grissom Homecoming Celebration" Newspaper. Held June 16, 1962. This three section paper, issued by the Mitchell (Indiana) newspaper (Grissom's home town), is in pristine condition. The paper is complete with its original illustrated wrapper. A fascinating paper that includes both personal and NASA photos- some of which haven't been seen before. A phenominal piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 516		MR-4, 1961, "Liberty Bell 7" NASA Publication (NASA, 1961, 16pp., soft) An early NASA Space Task Group booklet issued in honor of Gus Grissom's flight. Seen occasionally in poor condition, this piece is virtually pristine condition with only minor toning along the spine. Rare thus. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $30
Lot 517		MA-6, 1962, Rare Launch Lapel Pin. This enamel/metal lapel pin shows the Friendship capsule launching from the Cape (signified by a small red jewel). The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are shown in blue enamel. Only a few of these pins were made and it is rarely available and highly desirable. Pristine condition. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $259
Lot 518		MA-6, 1962, John Glenn Autographs. On three different 8x10" reprint photos (two color, one black and white (scratched)) from various periods in his life AND on a 1965 typed fan letter from Romania in which he says, in part: "…I am very happy that my medical difficulty of the past year has been completely resolved and I am again getting underway with a number of activities…". An interesting lot. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold