Unflown sterling silver STS-51-L Robbins medallion, approximately 1.75˝ x 1.5˝, featuring a raised design of the mission insignia on the face—the trail of the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger's launch from Florida over an American flag, surrounded by the surnames of the crew: "McNair," "Onizuka," "Resnik," "Scobee," "Smith," "McAuliffe," and "Jarvis." The reverse features the date of the tragic launch: "January 28, 1986." The medallion is serial numbered "191" and stamped on the edge with the Robbins "Ster." hallmark. Condition is mint state. Includes its original plastic case with stiff blue liner.
Following the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew, the Robbins Company produced a this memorial STS-51-L medallion, with the reverse displaying the mission launch date as part of the die itself rather than engraved. Of the 370 examples struck, 342 were produced in sterling silver.
From the William E. Thornton Collection.
