Expert: Ronald Fern - 9/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: Ronald:

I have an Apollo 11 Balfour medal in 10K gold.  It was purchased
from Southern National Bank in Houston in 1969.  I was interested
in learning the number made and if it is of any exceptional value.

Thanks,

John Roup

ANSWER: Hi John:

Thanks for your question.

With specialty items, such as your medal, either a photo, or more of a description, like the size, diameter and thickness of the piece, would help me to identify it. You do not mention the condition of the item. This also helps to establish the value.

I'm not familiar with your specific medal, but did find an active listing of a item likely similar to yours. The active listing has a "Buy Now" price of $$339.99. See: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10K-SOLID-GOLD-APOLLO-11-1ST-LUNAR-LANDING-CHARM-1969-/1

Based on that information, I'd value your medal between $300 and $350 to and interested collector.

You may want to check eBay listings under US coins be specifically looking for space medals or tokens in the exonumia category to see if items like yours are listed and what they are going for.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. With a gold medal, you'd likely get about 90% of melt value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Hope this helps. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ronald:

Thank you for the reply.  The picture of the charm is the same image type as my medal.  However, my medal is full size at 20.3 grams.  I did find that the Smithsonian Air & Space museum has the very same medal in silver but not in 10K gold.  I have not been able to find anyone who has seen this particular medal.  Do you know of anyone who would specialize in this sort of collectable?

Thank you,

John Roup

Answer
Hi Again, John:

No, but I know of several contacts that may be able to help.
Try these:
http://koinpro.tripod.com/ExonumiaList.htm
http://www.exonumia.com/
http://www.gold-coins-shop.com/gold-coins/gold-exonumia

Good Luck, let me know what you find out.