France. 1969 City of Paris Grand Vermeil Medal. Gilt Silver. Awarded to Edwin Aldrin. Mint State.
63 mm, .925 fine. 132.3 grams, 122.4 grams ASW. Obv : FLUCTUAT NEC MERGITUR around, Paris coat of arms at center. Signed M. DELANNEY at periphery at 4:30. Rev : VILLE DE PARIS above; PARIS / A / EDWIN / ALDRIN / 1969 engraved at center. Edge : (cornucopia) 1 ARGENT. Beautifully preserved, there are only a few tiny specks where gilding has been lost, these primarily confined to the unseen edge. Otherwise, essentially as issued. Housed in a red leather case with functional spring closure and with gilt Paris coat of arms at top center. The interior is red plush and silk with no markings. Paris was the seventh city of the Apollo 11 astronauts "Giant Step" world tour, and the second European city in a hectic schedule. Like in other cities, numerous individuals and reporters were ready to see the men and the city was abuzz with excitement. The astronauts met with the Prime Minister and were awarded the honor on October 8th, 1969. The Medal of the City of Paris, Grand Vermeil, was created in 1911 to recognize individuals or groups. It is considered to be Paris' most prestigious honor and has been presented to a variety of cultural and political figures. It comes in bronze, silver, large silver, and the highest level, vermeil (as here).
From the Wendy and Harris Lefkon Collection.