Historic silver 1944 Mercury Head dime recovered from Gus Grissom’s Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft almost 38 years to the day after the Mercury capsule and its contents were lost at sea. The coin etched on the reverse with the identification “QQ43” and is held in a plastic case. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Curt Newport, who led the expedition to find the Liberty Bell 7, in full: “I certify that this 1944 Mercury Dime, identified as No. QQ43, was carried on board the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury spacecraft (McDonnell Aircraft Capsule No. 11) on July 21, 1961, and recovered, along with the spacecraft on July 20, 1999.” A total of 52 dimes were recovered from the Liberty Bell once rediscovered at the ocean's floor. This unique item holds the distinction of voyaging to the edge of space at an altitude of 118 miles, and then sinking 16,000 feet to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in the only manned spacecraft to be lost at sea—all within a few hours span. A very scarce offering with wonderful Mercury association. From the McGlynn Space Collection.
