Lot 623
STS-51D, 1985, Copper Ingot from the Statue of Liberty (3.25x1.5x1", 442 grams). This copper ingot was made from copper salvaged during the 1985/86 restoration of the Statue of Liberty in New York. An included certificate of authenticity reads, in part: "…Two 15-inch replicas were cast from actual copper removed from the Statue of Liberty during restoration prior to the 1986 Centennial Dedication of the Statue of Liberty. The replicas flew on board the April 1985 flight of STS-51D. After the flight, one replica was melted and used to produce Official Centennial Seals, which were sold by the US Postal Service to help fund the restoration (one FLOWN copper-cachet cover and NASA paperwork are also included). The other model is on display at the Statue of Liberty. I was responsible for integration of the replica onto the Shuttle for flight, and along with the two replicas, I was sent a 15.6 ounce (442 gram) ingot of copper removed from the Statue of Liberty to be used for any required testing to certify the statue replicas safe for Shuttle Flight. Tests were not required and (this) is the ingot of copper removed from the Stature of Liberty that I received". ALSO included with the lot are three NASA 8x10" color photos of the two Statue replicas and copies of the NASA paperwork related to the flight.
Since the Statue of Liberty is considered to be a National Treasure, any part of the metal from it has to be fully accounted for. This ingot is probably unique and irreplaceable. It will fill an important niche in any Americana collection.
Estimated Value $350 - 500.
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| Realized $949 |
