One of the more popular items during this 50th anniversary of the moon landing has been the Apollo 11 medallion.  This medal was struck for NASA by the L. G. Balfour Company of Massachusetts.

These medals were for distribution to NASA and space industry employees that worked on the missions only.  They were not originally available to the public.

In 1973,  the International Numismatic Agency, 96 Prince Street, New York, New York was appointed exclusive distributors to the public for the 13 medals different pieces.

The medals, distributed by the International Numismatic Agency, were only available in sets which came in custom designed leatherette chests lined.  The medals were struck in both sterling silver and pewter. The designs were taken from sketches and photographs approved by the NASA artist and technicians associated with each mission.

These 1 3/16 inch medals are struck in a special three dimensional high relief technique developed by the Balfour Company. These medals have a look like no other high relief medals you’ve probably ever encountered. The relief is so deep and the angles so crisp that you’ll swear the metal in the recesses is tissue thin.  This unusual perspective involves the viewer as a participant in the drama of each mission.” The medals are quite interesting and photography does not do them justice.

This item as well as other associated Apollo 11 pieces are available at Captains Coins on eBay which provided the photos.

Information provided for this article is from the Coin and Medal collector’s Asylum. Copyright 1999-2004.

Source: MCA Official NASA Mission Medals by Balfour Collectors Guide