October 2017 Auction Ends Thursday, October 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/26/2017
Jack Swigert's personally owned Robbins medal struck in 14K gold, flown aboard Apollo 13 where he famously reported, ''Houston, we've had a problem.'' Unlike the silver Robbins medals which number over 400 for the Apollo 13 mission, this very scarce gold Robbins medal is one of only six given to the three astronauts on the mission, with each astronaut receiving two, intended for him and his wife. Like the silver Robbins medals, the original gold medals taken on the space flight were melted down and re-struck with the new design, without the landing date and with Swigert's name replacing Ken Mattingly. Medal depicts mission insignia, including the name of the mission, three of Apollo's chariot horses flying toward the Moon, and the slogan ''Ex Luna, Scientia'' (from the moon, knowledge). Verso lists the crew members, space modules, and engraved dates of launch and return, as well as ''14K r''. Unlike the silver medals, the gold medals were not serialized but it's known that only six were produced. Gold medal measures 1.25'' in diameter, housed in its original plastic box. In lustrous, near fine condition. From the estate of Jack Swigert and with an LOA from his sister.
Update to description: Up to two gold Robbins medals were made available to each member of the flight crew for purchase, but not every astronaut bought two, so the rarity of this Apollo 13 gold Robbins medal might be scarcer than 1 of 6.
Jack Swigert's 14K Gold Robbins Medal Flown Aboard Apollo 13 -- One of Only 2 Given to Each Astronaut
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