Historic and rare unflown Apollo 11 Robbins Medal, approximately 1-inch diameter, with a raised design on the face of the Apollo 11 mission insignia. The reverse of the sterling silver medal is unengraved, except for the serial number “162.” Made by the Robbins Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts, astronauts who are in line for a flight have the option of purchasing the medallions for themselves, family, and friends as personal souvenirs. This scarce item is different in that it is one of only nine known to exist. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins has reported that nine medallions had gone missing from his personal effects prior to launch. They showed up decades later in the estate of a woman who had been a janitor at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Interestingly, a collector who had purchased a medallion contacted Collins and offered to return his stolen property, to which Collins responded: “Thank you very much anyway. Keep it with a clear conscience.” Accompanied is a photocopy of the letter sent to the astronaut and his reply. An unbelievable scarce Apollo 11 artifact with a storied past! RRAuction COA.
