Skylab III (SL-4) Unflown Robbins Silver Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Astronaut Tom Stafford, Serial Number 131, with Signed LOA.  This 37mm x 35mm sterling silver medal with three rounded sides is in its original plastic box with the "131" sticker on the bottom. There were 190 sterling silver medallions minted for this flight (seventy flew) that lasted an amazing eighty-four days, from November 16, 1973 to February 8, 1974. The obverse features a large number "3", the astronauts' surnames, and three circular icons symbolizing the three major areas of investigation in the mission: a tree representing man's natural environment; a hydrogen atom representing man's exploration of the physical world; and a human silhouette representing mankind. The reverse depicts the Comet Kohoutek with engraved mission dates. The serial number is on the rim along with the sterling and Robbins hallmarks. Excellent condition.

Included with this lot is a letter of authenticity signed "Thomas P. Stafford" on his business letterhead, stating (in part): "Enclosed with this letter is a Robbins sterling silver medallion issued for the SKYLAB 3 mission. The actual launch and return dates are engraved on the reverse side. Serial number 131 is engraved on the rim. I received this medallion from the Skylab 3 crew while I was working as Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center. This mission was the longest of the Skylab series. Crew members Carr, Gibson, and Pogue carried out a number of science and medical experiments while in earth orbit for 84 days. I flew the next NASA manned space flight after Skylab 3 which was the Apollo Soyuz mission of July 1975."