NASA space-flown Gemini and Apollo medallions

Lore & Background

Fliteline medallions were prepared for all 10 crewed Gemini missions and for Apollo 1, though the Apollo 1 medallion was never officially flown after a cabin fire killed the crew during a launch rehearsal. The medallions were struck in pewter-colored base metal (sometimes painted gold) or sterling silver. It is unknown how many gold- and silver-colored medallions were prepared per mission or how many were space-flown versus unflown.

The Robbins Company began producing Apollo medallions in 1968. Astronauts worked directly with the company to design each mission medallion. Basic design elements were consistent: main design and mission name on the obverse, mission dates on the reverse, crew names on either side, and a serial number on the lower reverse or rim. For Apollo 11 and later, special reverse fields allowed engraved launch, lunar landing, and return dates. Medallions were stored in the Command Service Module; on lunar landing missions, a small number were taken to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module.

After the Apollo 13 accident and last-minute crew change, flown medallions were melted down and reminted to reflect the correct crew and the absence of a lunar landing date. Despite NASA's prohibition on commercialization, over 500 Apollo Robbins medallions have appeared at auction since 1995, with top prices reaching nearly $62,000 for silver medallions. A gold Apollo 11 medallion belonging to Neil Armstrong sold for over $2 million in July 2019.

Reader's Guide

NASA space-flown Gemini and Apollo medallions represent a unique intersection of numismatics and human spaceflight history. The Fliteline medallions, produced for all crewed Gemini missions and the ill-fated Apollo 1, remain mysterious due to the unknown manufacturer and uncertain production numbers. The Robbins medallions, by contrast, are well-documented: over 3,000 sterling silver examples flew on Apollo missions, with a very small number struck in 14k gold as personal mementos. These medallions were not commercial souvenirs but official items purchased by astronauts and support crew, bound by contract not to profit from them. Despite this, they have become highly collectible, with top auction prices exceeding $60,000 for silver examples and over $2 million for a gold Apollo 11 medallion. The medallions' design consistency across the Apollo series—with mission-specific artwork, crew names, and serial numbers—makes them a coherent and historically significant set. They also illustrate the evolution of space memorabilia from informal mementos (like the Mercury-era silver certificates and Gemini two-dollar bills) to officially sanctioned, mass-produced commemoratives that continue to be struck for every crewed NASA spaceflight, including Skylab and Space Shuttle missions.

Did You Know?

• Fliteline medallions were produced for all 10 crewed Gemini missions and for Apollo 1, but the Apollo 1 medallion was never flown due to the cabin fire.
• Apollo Robbins medallions were struck in sterling silver and, in very small numbers, in 14k gold; gold medallions were often taken to the lunar surface.
• After the Apollo 13 accident, flown Robbins medallions were melted down and reminted to reflect the correct crew and the absence of a lunar landing date.
• A gold Apollo 11 Robbins medallion that belonged to Neil Armstrong sold for over $2 million in July 2019.