At first glance, it might seem that objects that have been to the moon and back belong to one of the world’s narrower auction categories. As it happens, however, a number of items have completed that transit, and a few will be highlights at Heritage’s Space Exploration Auction in Dallas. One of the more interesting ones is a small American flag, just 6 inches by 4 inches, that Pilot Edgar Mitchell took along on the 1971 Apollo 14 Lunar Module. Signed by Mitchell, it’s estimated at $25,000-$35,000.Another lunar item in the Heritage orbit is an Apollo 17 Flown Robbins Medallion originally from the collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan. One of eighty examples taken aboard the 1972 mission, the 35mm sterling silver medal is from Cernan’s personal collection and comes with a letter of authenticity on Apollo 17 letterhead that’s signed by Cernan. Heritage expects it to sell for $25,000-$35,000.
Stellar Prices For Lunar Objects?
May 03, 2012
Over $3m For Rare Nickel
April 26, 2013Few American coins are as rare as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel that Heritage offered this week in Illinois. Even fewer have as colorful a history. Recovered from a fatal car crash and initially dismissed as a fake, the coin—one of only five known examples– languished in a box for four decades. Only after what Heritage called “a secret midnight meeting in Baltimore in 2003,” did its owners discover its true value. Yesterday they received more substantial confirmation when it sold for $3,172,500.
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Babe Ruth’s Last Yankee Jersey At Heritage
April 23, 2013Anything connected to Yankee great Babe Ruth is likely to excite considerable collector attention, but the jersey that highlights Heritage’s Sports Memorabilia sale early next month is certain to be a particular attraction. It’s the last one the Yankees ever issued to the slugger, a heavy grey flannel number from 1935, after his playing career with the team was effectively over. Included is the lot is Ruth’s last Yankee Player’s contract, an insult to the legend calling for a payment of $1. Not surprisingly, Ruth never signed. Heritage expects it will take over $300,000 to take the items home.
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Teenaged Rembrandt Peale Painted Washington
April 23, 2013Charles Wilson Peale, the famed painter of George Washington, took his 17-year old boy (named Rembrandt) along for a sitting with the Founding Father. The teenager painted to acclaim and went on to recreate portraits of Washington for decades. One of those, known as a “porthole” copy, will be offered by Heritage next month, with a high estimate of $175,000.
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Rising Value of Unrestored Cars
By Malcolm Welford, Vintage Car Specialist
