Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Commemorative Silver Medallions (4) - Value: $400

Each of these medallions is 1 troy of silver and represent 4 distinct missions to space. Perfect for the space enthusiast, collector or as a gift to inspire a young person to pursue their scientific dreams. Thanks to the numismatic society at JPL, historic missions of our American space program are commemorated.

Ranger 6

Ranger 6 was principally designed to transmit high-resolution photographs of the moon before impacting the lunar surface and was part of the series of nine Ranger spacecraft launched in the early 1960s to explore the moon.

Launch date: Jan. 30, 1964

Mariner 6/7 (Twin probes)

Along with its twin Mariner 7 spacecraft, Mariner 6 was designed to make a close flyby of Mars to study the surface for signs of life and develop technology for future missions.

Launch date: Feb. 25, 1969

Mariner 7 launched March 27, 1969

Mariner 9 (Mariner I)

In 1971, the Mariner 9 spacecraft beat the Soviet Mars 2 to the Red Planet to become the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.

Launch date: May 30, 1971

Mariner 10

The first mission to employ gravity assist, or using the gravity of a planet to alter a spacecraft's speed and trajectory to fly by its target planet, the Mariner 10 mission flew by both Venus and Mercury, snapping photos and collecting data.

Launch date: Nov. 3, 1973