Next week marks the 40th anniversary of the first manned mission to land on the moon.
40 years since Neil Armstrong took that 'one small step'.
You have probably seen a lot of media coverage about this over the last few weeks. Here in the UK, the BBC has dedicated the entire month of July to programmes commemorating the anniversary.
One show follows an author across America in search of Neil Armstrong. You see, Neil Armstrong now lives as a virtual recluse. He has consistently shunned the limelight and fame that came naturally as being the first man to walk on the moon in favour of a quiet life.
For that reason, Armstrong's signature is widely accepted as being the most difficult to acquire from a living celebrity.
He doesn't sign autographs anymore.
That, along with the historical significance, makes Armstrong and Apollo 11 memorabilia extremely collectible.
But you know this already...
Last year, we highlighted the investment potential of Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11 material. We told you that prices were set to take off as we approached the 40th anniversary of the moon landing.
And we were right...
Prices for Apollo 11 material are up 26% in just one year
According to the Collect Autographs catalogue, the price of an Apollo 11 photo signed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins has increased by 26% from 2008 to 2009.
A signed Apollo 11 document is up by 32%.
A photograph signed by Armstrong on his own has recorded a growth in value of 28% in just 12 months.
These prices have increased due to the historical significance of the pieces, their rarity and because of the increased media coverage surrounding the anniversary.
Just imagine what they will be worth in 10 years time as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moon landing...
These items are only going to get rarer. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins are all in their late seventies.
Nobody can ever walk on the moon for the first time again...
We have an incredible selection of moon landing material available, including this amazing collection of official NASA mission photographs of the Apollo 11 crew each signed by the respective astronaut.
Or, if you prefer, you can get your hands on an official NASA photograph of the three man crew posing together and signed by all three men.
You can see the complete range of Apollo 11 items on this link
Remember, Armstrong doesn't sign anymore... these items can only get rarer. And the 50 year anniversary is not that far away.
If you are interested in any of these items, please contact a member of our investment team via one of the methods below.
Call on +44 (0) 1481 708 270
email investment@stanleygibbons.co.uk
TOLL FREE from the USA 1 866 644 6146
Sincerely,
Mike Hall
Chief Executive
The Stanley Gibbons Group PLC