Details

Neatline is thrilled to offer this set of original items associated with the iconic Apollo 11 mission that first landed mankind on the moon.

This is a so-called ‘Red Number’ color photograph produced by NASA in 1969. It depicts the Apollo 11 mission logo, consisting of an American Bald Eagle landing on the lunar surface. In this sense, the logo embodies the most daring feat of the mission: landing the lunar module on the moon’s surface. The module’s code name was Eagle.

Notably, ‘Red Number’ photographs like this were exclusively developed in-house by NASA immediately following successful missions, distinguishing them from reproductions created by external photo laboratories. The photograph’s authenticity can be verified by the serial number printed on the verso (NASA S-69-34875). Unframed, the photograph measures 20×25 centimeters and is printed on KODAK PAPER.

In addition to the original photograph, the set includes a gold coin minted specifically to celebrate the Apollo 11 mission, particularly the First Lunar Landing. Crafted in 0.900 gold, this numismatic marvel weighs 3.5 grams and has a diameter of 19.5 mm. It bears witness to the triumph of human exploration as it moved beyond the bounds of the Earth.

The obverse of the coin captures the essence of this historical event, showing a striking view from the lunar landing site juxtaposed against the celestial body that has captivated the human imagination for eons and inscribed with the bold proclamation FIRST LUNAR LANDING / US APOLLO 11 – JULY 1969, this side of the medal embodies the spirit of lunar conquest. Flipping to the reverse, the medal pays tribute to the trailblazing trio behind this epochal journey: Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Their visages grace the golden surface, etched in commemoration of their courage, skill, and dedication to humanity’s quest for the stars.

These two exceptional pieces of Apollo 11 memorabilia represent the pinnacle of human ingenuity and exploration and embody the unyielding spirit of discovery that propelled mankind to reach for the stars.

Context is Everything

The Apollo 11 mission is an unparalleled milestone in human history, marking the culmination of a daring vision to land humans on the moon. This extraordinary endeavor was born from the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy set the ambitious goal of sending American astronauts to the moon before the decade’s end, igniting a vigorous pursuit of scientific and technological advancements.

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 embarked on its historic journey from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft carried a crew of three exceptional astronauts: Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins. The mission unfolded in phases, with Collins piloting the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface in the lunar module, famously named Eagle.

The culmination of the mission occurred on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong took his historic steps onto the moon’s surface, proclaiming, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Buzz Aldrin soon followed, and together, they conducted experiments, collected samples, and planted the American flag on the lunar soil. Their awe-inspiring achievement captivated the world, signifying an unparalleled triumph of human ingenuity and determination.

Following the successful lunar landing and return to Earth on July 24, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission left an indelible legacy. Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins became revered figures in human history, celebrated for their courage and scientific contributions. Their accomplishment spurred advancements in technology, space exploration, and scientific research. The mission fueled inspiration, sparking a new era of exploration and innovation, paving the way for subsequent lunar missions, and contributing to our understanding of the universe.

The Apollo 11 mission is an enduring testament to humankind’s drive to explore beyond the boundaries of our planet.