|
Author
|
Topic: History and value of Sputnik 1 medal?
|
MrNova
New Member Posts: 3
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2014
|
posted 06-07-2014 11:04 AM
  
I am a new user and have been kindly referred to this site by a collector I have been in contact with. Hopefully I'm posting this in the correct section.Could some one be kind enough to advise me on the history and possible value of an item that has recently come in to my possession. As far as I can tell it is a Russian Sputnik 1 bronze medal. It is 65mm in diameter, weighs 132g and is in a circular cardboard box with two stickers on the bottom, one reading "made in USSR 1958" and the other "15919 B - 50". Pictures are available here. Many thanks for any information or advice any one is able to offer. Kind regards. — John |
SpaceCadet1983
Member Posts: 227
From: United States
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 06-08-2014 01:50 PM
I sold one of these Sputnik medals a few years back. I have a Russian book on Soviet-era medals from the Leningrad & Moscow State Mints that contains all the info you're looking for. I'll try to dig it out and post the info for you. |
MrNova
New Member Posts: 3
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2014
|
posted 06-08-2014 02:13 PM
Hi Mike, thank you so much for the reply and offer of more info. It always makes me feel a bit wobbly to think that people like your good self are prepared to take time out of their day to help complete strangers on the internet. Good on you sir!I look forward to hearing any details you are able to find and only hope there is some way I can repay the favour. Thanks again. |
SpaceCadet1983
Member Posts: 227
From: United States
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 06-09-2014 02:58 PM
John, I have to find my translation of the book's title, but the other information is straight-forward: - Date of manufacture: 1958
- Material used: Tombac [a brass alloy containing copper 70-90%, zinc 5-20%, with other materials like tin, lead, etc., forming the remainder; used in Soviet/Russian Olympic medals]
- Size: 65 mm
- Mint: Leningrad State Mint
- Circulation: 645 pieces
- Historical event: 4 October 1957 launch of Sputnik.
As to market value: hard to say. The Soviet/Russian Space medal/medallion market has been depressed due to the economy. Right now I'd say it might be in the $125.00 to $150.00 range. I hope this helps!  |
MrNova
New Member Posts: 3
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2014
|
posted 06-10-2014 03:04 AM
That's a massive help Mike, thank you so much for going to all that effort. The information you've found is fascinating and has given me a new appreciation for the medal. |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 06-22-2015 12:39 PM
I'm currently working on an article and .pdf document with Soviet era space related medals. Doc will be freely available to cS forum members. |
tnperri
Member Posts: 452
From: Malvern, Ohio
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 06-22-2015 06:13 PM
Philip, sounds great. |
SpaceCadet1983
Member Posts: 227
From: United States
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 06-23-2015 08:03 PM
Philip, I'm looking forward to reading it myself. Thank you! |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 12-14-2015 11:25 AM
I have a source for official medals but Leningrad Mint Place also issued commemorative medals. Anyone with a reference or weblink? |
advertisement