United Kingdom. 1969 The Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom Gold Medal. Gold. Awarded to Edwin Aldrin. Mint State.
38 mm, .375 fine. 30.4 grams, 11.4 grams AGW. Obv : Hermes at the summit of a mountain, his caduceus on the ground, seemingly ready to leap off and take flight at center; eight pairs of wings at the periphery. Rev : THE / ROYAL AERO CLUB / EDWIN ALDRIN / 1969 at center within a simple wreath with a crown at 12 o'clock. Hallmarked at the bottom, JP 9 .375 O (illegible). Interestingly, the hallmarks were applied to the planchet before the medal was struck, causing the hallmarks to be squished in and at a lower relief than one would normally expect. Edge : Plain. As-issued with no handling marks of any consequence and attractive reflective fields. Housed in a burgundy leather case with gilt decorations and spring closure. The interior is plush burgundy and white silk with no markings. The Aero Club was founded in 1909 and was granted the Royal prefix in 1910. Though it's activities and structure have changed over the years, it continues to be the national governing and coordinating body of air sport and recreational flying in the United Kingdom. The gold medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in aviation, a distinction the Moon landing surely qualifies for.
From the Wendy and Harris Lefkon Collection.