Posts: 125
From: Durley
Registered: Jan 2008

posted 01-06-2011 03:46 PM               

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I have seen two types of Apollo 11 crew photos come up at auction over the years - one that appears to be a photograph (i.e on photographic paper), one version a litho print on paper/thin card (?) stock.

Are both as desirable as each other or is there a 'Holy Grail' version for the autograph collector? Any thoughts?

Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 01-06-2011 04:33 PM               

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This is a subject that pops up from time to time. Each has their merits.

The jury is out I think as to which long term would be better from an archival standpoint. But in my opinion, I would choose the litho.

Archival qualities of photos from the 60s are pretty crappy and libraries are full of books hundreds of years old, replete with litho prints.

Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005

posted 01-06-2011 06:57 PM               

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With all other factors being the same...and assuming both are in relatively excellent condition...a NASA-issued red serial glossy photo will almost always sell for more than a litho print of the same image. Sometimes the price difference can be significant.

Official NASA glossy photos were somewhat limited, only meant for distribution to media and certain personnel. Litho prints were much more widely available to the public and are considerably more common.

Also, keep in mind that the market for unsigned red serial glossy photos is also very strong. An unsigned Apollo 8 Earthrise litho might sell for $5-20. An unsigned red serial glossy of the same image could easily fetch $200-$400.