Space/Aviation Rare Press Badges for USA-USSR Announcements of Apollo-Soyuz Mission, #ON954

These two press pinshave a glass-like feel but are so light that they must be some type of plastic. They were issued jointly at a press event announcing one of the US and Soviet joint space ventures of the 1970s or early 1980s. We were told that they cost in the $200-$300 range for the pair purchased at one of Heritage Auctions earliest space exploration sales perhaps 15+ years ago. A look at a current Aviation/Space auction from Heritage will shock you at the rise in prices unless you are a veteran space collector. It is likely that the buyer overpaid for these at the time as we would estimate today's retail price to be about that same, but remember today a 29% buyer's premium is also added in these auctions. Buying from Heritage for a rocket part or autographed original flight plan belonging to a US or Russian astronaut/cosmonaut guarantees it is solidly authenticated and scarce. Of course, the "value" will need to increase 29% for you to break even. As with all items in this sale, this pair of unique pins is below the estimated present market price. While the press pins would no doubt sell for a lot more in such an auction, we're trying to be realistic and offer them substantially below retail.