This is a two-issue National Geographic set commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, hand-signed by Buzz Aldrin — the second human being to walk on the Moon. Released to mark the July 1969 milestone that redefined what humanity believed possible, these magazines carry the signature of one of only twelve people who have ever stood on another world. For serious space memorabilia collectors, a Buzz Aldrin-signed Apollo 11 anniversary publication represents a direct, tactile link to the most consequential exploration event of the twentieth century. The condition is excellent, and Gauntlet Gallery offers full authentication documentation on request.
About Buzz Aldrin
Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. (born January 20, 1930) is one of the most decorated figures in the history of human spaceflight. A Korean War combat veteran who flew 66 combat missions, Aldrin earned his doctorate in orbital mechanics from MIT before NASA selected him as an astronaut in 1963. His Gemini 12 mission in 1966 proved that astronauts could work effectively during spacewalks — a critical proof-of-concept that made the lunar program viable. Then came Apollo 11. On July 20, 1969, Aldrin descended the ladder of the Eagle lunar module onto the Sea of Tranquility, becoming the second person to walk on the Moon, minutes after Neil Armstrong. He spent approximately two hours on the lunar surface, conducting experiments and collecting samples alongside Armstrong while Michael Collins orbited above. The mission was watched live by an estimated 600 million people worldwide — roughly one in five humans alive at the time. Since his retirement from NASA, Aldrin has remained one of the most prominent advocates for Mars exploration, founding the ShareSpace Foundation and publishing extensively on the future of human spaceflight. He has continued to attend public events and sign memorabilia well into his nineties, with his signature authenticated by both PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and JSA (James Spence Authentication), the two most widely accepted third-party grading authorities for astronaut autographs. A Buzz Aldrin signature is not merely a collectible — it is a primary historical document from the Apollo era.
About This Specific Item
National Geographic's 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 coverage is among the most visually ambitious space journalism ever published. The two-issue set dives deep into the photographic record of the mission — images from the lunar surface, the historic Earthrise perspective, the crew in training, and the splashdown recovery that concluded humanity's first round trip to another world. National Geographic had unique access to NASA photography archives, and the anniversary editions feature restored and remastered versions of the original Hasselblad photographs taken on the Moon. The editorial content spans the science of the mission, the geopolitical stakes of the Space Race, and the human stories behind the astronauts who made it possible. As a two-issue set, this item provides broader coverage than a single magazine, giving collectors a more complete visual and editorial record of Apollo 11's legacy. These are not reproduction prints or limited-edition facsimiles — they are the actual commemorative publications, in excellent condition, bearing Aldrin's personal signature directly on the cover or interior page where his name appears.
Rarity and Scarcity
Buzz Aldrin is one of only twelve Apollo astronauts who walked on the Moon, and he remains one of the few still living and still signing. That willingness to continue signing — at conventions, through private signings, and via select dealers — means his autograph is more accessible than Neil Armstrong's, who stopped signing in 1994 and passed away in 2012, leaving a finite pool of approximately 55,000 authenticated items. Aldrin-signed material nonetheless commands premium prices precisely because of the Apollo 11 association: he is the second man on the Moon, full stop. Anniversary publications add a specific layer of scarcity. The 50th Anniversary National Geographic set was a time-limited commemorative release, and signed examples are a small fraction of the total print run. Two-issue signed sets are rarer still — most collectors who acquired a signature obtained it on a single item. Finding both issues of the anniversary set signed by Aldrin at one point of sale is uncommon. As the Apollo generation continues to age, the window for obtaining fresh, directly authenticated Buzz Aldrin signatures narrows. Items signed at major conventions or through PSA/JSA-supervised sessions will carry higher provenance certainty and, over time, greater resale liquidity than unsigned examples ever will.
Authentication and What to Look For
Gauntlet Gallery sources and verifies space memorabilia against the authentication standards established by PSA and JSA — the two dominant authorities for astronaut signatures. A PSA-certified Buzz Aldrin autograph comes with a numbered hologram affixed to the item and a corresponding online certificate accessible via PSA's registry, which includes the grade (typically on a 1–10 scale for autograph condition), the item description, and the authentication date. JSA-authenticated items carry a similar numbered sticker and certificate of authenticity. Both organizations employ forensic document examiners who cross-reference submitted signatures against verified exemplars from supervised signing sessions. For Buzz Aldrin specifically, authenticators look for his characteristic bold, forward-slanting script, the distinctive letterforms of his "B" and "A," and consistent pressure across the signature. Forgeries typically fail on letter spacing, pressure consistency, or the terminal stroke of his last name. Gauntlet Gallery's 160,000+ comparable sales database allows us to verify that each item we list aligns with authenticated comparables at the major auction houses. Provenance documentation — including any signing event details, authentication certificates, and chain of custody notes — is available with this item upon request.
Value Context
Buzz Aldrin-signed space memorabilia spans a wide range depending on item type, condition, and authentication tier. Single signed photographs from major auction houses — Heritage Auctions, RR Auction, Bonhams Space History — have realized between $400 and $1,800 depending on the image subject and grading. Signed books and publications by Aldrin typically range from $350 to $900 at auction in excellent condition with PSA or JSA authentication. Commemorative publications tied specifically to Apollo 11 milestones, particularly the 50th Anniversary year, track at the higher end of that range due to thematic demand from anniversary-era buyers. A two-issue signed set, being a more complete artifact, commands a premium over a single signed copy. Condition is the primary value modifier: this item is in excellent condition, meaning minimal wear, no significant creasing or discoloration, and a signature that remains sharp and legible. Items in lesser condition typically price 30–50% below comparable excellent-condition examples. For pricing on this specific item, Gauntlet Gallery invites direct inquiry — contact us for current availability and pricing, as space memorabilia values shift with auction results and collector demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Buzz Aldrin signature authenticated?
Gauntlet Gallery verifies all space memorabilia against PSA and JSA standards. Authentication documentation is available upon request. PSA and JSA-certified signatures include a numbered hologram on the item and an independently verifiable online certificate.
How rare is a Buzz Aldrin signed National Geographic 50th Anniversary?
Aldrin continues to sign, but his Apollo 11 association makes each item historically significant. The 50th Anniversary set was a time-limited commemorative release, and signed two-issue sets are uncommon — most collectors obtained a signature on a single item rather than a complete two-issue set.
What is this item worth?
Aldrin-signed publications in excellent condition with authentication typically realize $400–$900 at major auction houses. Apollo 11 anniversary publications trend toward the upper end of that range. A two-issue signed set commands a premium. Contact Gauntlet Gallery for current pricing.
Where can I buy authenticated Buzz Aldrin memorabilia?
Gauntlet Gallery specializes in authenticated space memorabilia sourced against PSA/JSA standards, with 160,000+ comparable sales for accurate valuation. Browse the full collection at gauntlet.gallery/collections/space-memorabilia or contact us directly.
Browse authenticated space memorabilia at gauntlet.gallery/collections/space-memorabilia