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Author
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Topic: Flown Coins
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moonsuit steve
Member Posts: 51
From: U.K
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-22-2001 05:07 AM
   
HiI've recently acquired an Apollo 14 mini-coin from ebay. The franklin mint claimed in the 70's that it contains silver flown to the moon. Does anyone out there have any additional information on this? Do you think it will have traces of something or do you think they minted them many of them. Also, I'd really like a Manned space flight awareness coin from any of the apollo missions. Any idea where I can get one from? thanks for the help guys. Steve |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-22-2001 06:00 AM
I was recently sent a news clipping which adds to the information presented within "Relics of the Space Race" about the Apollo 14 mini-coins. But first a little background...As reported in "Relics," the Apollo 13 and 14 crews were given an unspecified number of coins from the Franklin Mint to carry on their moon voyages. In return for their medallions' flight, the FM would allow the astronauts to each keep a set of the coins. The remainder would be returned to the FM. As originally reported, the coins were have thought to have been carried to the lunar surface aboard Apollo 14. Those returned to the FM were then melted down with additional silver to create the mini-coins. According to an article in the September 21, 1971 "Numismatic" however, an investigation led by Congresswoman Leonor Sullivan (then chariwoman of the House subcommittee on consumer affairs) discovered the silver carried to the Moon for the FM remained in the Command Module, negating any chance that it touched the lunar surface. Apparently, at the time, the FM was promoting that the silver had "been on the Moon," leading to the congressional inquiry. The article provided a few more details. A pre-flight agreement between Shepard and the FM (through a representative for the astronaut) led to the flight of 200 coins, of which 25 were to be returned to the Mint. In actuality, 24 were received by the FM, later learning the representative had decided to keep one for him/herself. At the time (1971) the FM was taking actions to recover the 25th coin. However, it was too late for production of the mini-coins, so only 24 were used in the production. |
moonsuit steve
Member Posts: 51
From: U.K
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-22-2001 06:38 AM
Thanks RobertAny idea how many the FM minted at the time? Probably a good few hundred thousand don't you think? steve |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2912
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-22-2001 08:25 AM
In reply to moonsuit steve's June 22nd posting, my company has all the MFA medallions available; Apollo 8's first lunar orbit, Apollo 11 that contains metal comprising actual components of the LM-Eagle and CM-Columbia, the Skylab Orbital Workshop Station, Apollo-Soyuz from both the American and Russian spacecrafts, ALT/Enterprise, STS-1/Columbia's maiden orbital flight, and STS-3 and 5 from the Space Shuttle Columbia. Other MFA medallions were minted for certain STS-Mir docking missions, and even others that were contractor produced mostly with NASA's approval. Prices vary in regards to condition of the medallions and/or their presentation formats (i.e. NASA, Rockwell, DOD, etc). Medallions can be as as low as $25 (Skylab & ASTP), but more for Apollos 8 and 11 usually within a range of $35 to $75, and with the earlier Columbia missions that, believe it or not, are not as common as the earlier issued medallions from the MFA. Many have been sold by Superior with a wide range of prices realized and some in lots of multiples. My prices always include shipping, usually Priority Mail or UPS. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-22-2001 08:40 AM
Steve, I wouldn't go as far as a "few hundred thousand" -- as these were created (initially) as a bonus for the Franklin Mint's Collectors Society (and I doubt they have that many members). My guess, would be ten to 15 thousand at most, but most likely less. |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
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posted 06-22-2001 12:03 PM
Ken,
Does your business have a website address?
Cheers,
Matt |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2912
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 07-04-2001 08:50 AM
Matt - Sorry to take so long in getting back to your question, unfortunately, there is no current website available from my company. Usually a phone call, email, or letter with a "want list" is the best approach that seems to work well with my customers and myself as SpaceCoast Cover Service isn't a store-front operation. There have been, however, recent discussions about including a website for SCCS and possibly other uses. But if you're ever on Florida's Space Coast, why not drop in for a visit, as many clients prefer a personal visit for many reasons. | |
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