Watch List notes:

USA (struck by L.G. Balfour & Co), 18 karat gold medal, 1969, Apollo 11, 27.94 grams, NGC MS 66. 35 mm; 27.94 grams Obverse with astronaut holding the American flag while on the moon's surface with Apollo lunar lander in background, Earth peeking over the horizon with scattered stars in the field, FIRST LUNAR LANDING above and JULY 20 1969 at center; reverse with Earth and the Moon with Apollo's gravitational slingshot maneuver outlined, APOLLO 11 and "THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND." at center, MICHAEL COLLINS, EDWIN ALDRIN, and NEIL ARMSTRONG around edge; plain edge with 750 hallmark at 9 o'clock. Ultra-high relief medal with an eye-catching 3D effect to its design, bright gold color with significant luster all over. L.G. Balfour Co. produced commemorative medals for NASA's space program personnel and aerospace contractors. While other examples of this medal in gold are known, they have a weight of around 18.15 grams and were struck on 10-karat planchets. This medal is the only one known to us with a larger diameter and a higher weight and gold content. Likewise, there are subtle design differences from any others we've seen: more stars with significant definition along with different Earth and lunar surfaces on the obverse, the reverse with different lettering and a more defined lunar surface. The reason for these design differences is unknown, but it's clear that this example is unlike any others seen prior. NGC #4747805-001.

Estimate: $1000-1500