Gold “Celestia” coin flown aboard the Gemini V mission, together with a handwritten note in pencil from Gordon Cooper on his personal 4.25 x 5.25 “Mickey Mouse” letterhead. In full: “This gold coin was flown on Gemini V on 21–29 Aug. 1965, Gordon Cooper.” An original 1960 advertisement (included) describes the coin, originally manufactured as a novelty, in detail: “The Nation of Celestial Space, persistently seeking to prove nationhood, has recently minted a new outer space coin called the GOLD Celeston. The Celeston is made of pure mint gold, fineness .900. It measures 14 millimeters in diameter…. Its weight is 34 grains…. The face of the coin bears an image of [company owner James Thomas] Mangan’s daughter, Ruth, to whom he refers as ‘Princess’…. The coins are intended not for barter and exchange, but for distribution among the friends of the Space Nation, now claiming a ‘population’ of 23,419….” In fine condition, with light vertical fold (touching “G”) and mild wrinkling to note. COA Scott Cornish and R&R COA.
