My Cosmic Quest: Collecting Apollo and Outer Space Coins

As a lifelong coin collector fascinated by space, I’ve spent years chasing down pieces that celebrate humanity’s journey beyond Earth. From ancient Roman denarii to modern commemoratives that actually orbited our planet, my collection reveals amazing stories about this special corner of numismatics. I’d love to share what I’ve discovered to help fellow enthusiasts explore this exciting theme.

Ancient Inspirations: Apollo on Coins

One real treasure in my collection is a Roman denarius from Caracalla’s reign (198-217 A.D.) showing Apollo with his lyre. Weighing about 3.3 grams and measuring just under 20mm (it’s RIC IV 238A and RSC 242 for you catalog hunters), this beauty reminds me how deeply rooted the Apollo theme is in history. I’ve noticed coins like this hold their value thanks to their artistry and scarcity. When checking them, I always look closely at the lyre and tripod details – wear there can really impact both grade and collector interest.

Space-Flown Treasures: Coins That Touched the Stars

Nothing beats the thrill of finding coins that actually traveled to space! Take Gus Grissom’s Roosevelt dimes: he carried a full roll on his 1961 Mercury flight, but for Gemini 3 in 1965, he took just one special dime stamped “GT3” near Roosevelt’s chin. James McDivitt later flew a $2.5 Gold Liberty on Gemini IV. These pieces are incredibly rare and pricey – I’ve learned to always verify their history through paperwork since fakes exist. When grading, pay extra attention to any stamps or engravings – they tell the story but may show handling marks.

Modern Commemoratives and Tokens

You’ll find plenty of affordable modern options too. I particularly enjoy pieces like Poland’s 20 zlotych honoring their cosmonaut or the Soviet space program rouble. The Young Astronaut series in silver and gold remains surprisingly accessible at coin shows or auctions – often at great prices for their metal content. For tokens and medals, I seek designs that truly capture spaceflight magic, like rockets or astronauts in action. Watch for corrosion or that greenish patina called verdigris on older medals; if cleaning is needed, be extremely gentle to preserve value.

Collecting Tips and Market Insights

From my years in this niche, here’s what I’d suggest for building your own space collection:

• Begin with commemoratives: Apollo 11 medals or national space coins offer great entry points. They’re more available and affordable, with silver versions typically gaining value faster.
• Seek the stories: Pieces connected to astronaut memorabilia, like Neil Armstrong’s insurance autographs, add fascinating context and often spike around mission anniversaries.
• Condition matters: Always examine coins under good light for marks or toning. For flown items, consider professional grading on pricier pieces – it helps confirm authenticity.
• Track the market: Space coin popularity is rising, especially for rarities like flown dimes. While eBay and specialty auctions are good sources, set a budget and check recent sales to avoid overpaying.

Collecting space-themed coins has been an absolute joy for me – a perfect blend of cosmic wonder and tangible history. Whether ancient mythology or modern exploration calls to you, these pieces connect us to the stars in a uniquely personal way. Happy collecting, and here’s to your next great find!