Lot 8
Mercury Program, 1961, $1 "Short Snorter" (Series 1957) During one of the many "gatherings of the guys" in Cocoa Beach, FL during Project Mercury, the astronauts signed a "short snorter" dollar bill for the consignor.
The Short Snorter tradition, established in WW II, provided that all those involved in the signing of each other's bills, must carry the bill in their wallet. If challenged later, the person unable to produce the short snorter had to pick up the tab (drinks) for all present.
This bill is signed by John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Virgil Grissom, Leroy Cooper, Deke Slayton (Mercury astronauts) as well as Charles Conrad, John Young, Al Worden (Apollo astronauts) and Bill Lyon (a press associate of the consignor's).
This bill is somewhat wrinkled and the autographs faded as you would expect under the circumstances, but it is a great example of the early comradery among the astronauts and their constant attempts to relieve the pressure under which they operated day in and day out. The bill is in what looks to be its original mat and frame. Attractive and quite scarce.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,000.
Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection.
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| Realized $546 |
