Spain. 1969 Institute of North American Studies in Barcelona John F. Kennedy Award. Silver. Awarded to Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. Mint State.
39 mm, .900 fine. 17.6 grams. 15.8 grams ASW. Obv : JOHN F. KENNEDY AWARD / 1965 around periphery, left facing bust of Kennedy at center. Rev : INSTITUTO DE ESTUDIOS NORTEAMERICANOS / BARCELONA around periphery; EDWIN E. / ALDRIN JR. / 1969 engraved at center. Edge: plain. Composed of two shells, the award is hollow in the center, but the seam is well concealed. Housed in a red leather case with spring closure. The interior is plush black and white silk with gilt lettering in interior of case reads: CAPDEVILA / VIA LAYETANA 129 / VIA AGUSTA 80 / BARCELONA The Institute of North American Studies was created from the dream of two friends in 1951 as a private not-for-profit association which sought to foster cultural exchange between Catalonia and the United States of America. The John F. Kennedy award is "given annually and alternately to a Spaniard and an American, who has made a distinguished contribution in a field of human endeavor…the arts, public service, international relations or science-reflecting the precepts and ideals of the late President." The astronauts and their wives were received in Madrid, Spain on October 7th as part of their larger world tour, and presumably this award was given to them on or near that date.
From the Wendy and Harris Lefkon Collection.