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Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1) Robbins Medallion Obverse and Reverse Dies. ...
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Description
THE SPACE SHUTTLE (STS) PROGRAM
Used to strike the medallions for the first Space Shuttle Mission.
Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-1) Robbins
Medallion Obverse and Reverse Dies. Two impressive blocks of
hardened steel measuring approximately 2.875" x 3.125" each. The
obverse die features the mission insignia, the shuttle, and its
orbit around the Earth with the ship's name "Columbia" and the
surnames of the crew. While the reverse die features crewmember's
full names, "John W. Young" and "Robert L. Crippen", as well as
"Launched" and "Landed". Each die weighs an approximate substantial
4.5 pounds. The obverse features the following numbers engraved on
the sides: "D1827/ HPN/ 2 81", "39 MM", with the reverse featuring:
"J3023 R/ 2 HPN 81". The importance of Robbins medallions to the
Space collecting community is well noted. This would be an
excellent and unique addition to the most advanced collections. A
rare opportunity. Very fine.Silver medals are manufactured using a process that involves obverse and reverse dies. The production begins with the creation of detailed designs for both sides of the medal. These designs are then used to create highly precise working dies - one for the obverse (front) and one for the reverse (back) of the medal. The dies are essentially negative impressions of the final medal design, engraved into hardened steel. To produce the medal, a silver blank (also called a planchet) is placed between the two dies in a high-pressure press. The press then exerts tremendous force - up to 360 tons for proof-quality medals - simultaneously stamping both sides of the blank. This process impresses the designs from the dies onto the silver, creating the finished medal with crisp, detailed relief on both sides.
Auction Info
2024 December 6 - 7 Space Exploration Signature® Auction #6304 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 300
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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