Al Worden Charles Conrad Signed Apollo NASA Astronaut FDC BECKETT

From the Steve Grad Autograph Collection – Presented here is a Project Mercury First Day of Issue cover, postmarked Cape Canaveral, FL – February 20, 1962, featuring the iconic Mercury stamp, boldly signed in black ink by Apollo astronauts Charles “Pete” Conrad and Al Worden.

Charles “Pete” Conrad (1930–1999) was one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts. He flew as Pilot of Gemini 5 (1965), Command Pilot of Gemini 11 (1966), Commander of Apollo 12 (1969) where he became the third man to walk on the Moon, and later commanded Skylab 2 (1973), helping save America’s first space station after critical damage at launch. Known for his humor, brilliance, and courage, Conrad tragically died in 1999 at the age of 69 following a motorcycle accident.

Al Worden (1932–2020) served as Command Module Pilot of Apollo 15 (1971). While his crewmates explored the lunar surface, Worden remained in lunar orbit, performing vital scientific experiments and later conducted the first deep-space EVA (spacewalk) during the return to Earth. Apollo 15 was among the most scientifically important lunar missions, and Worden’s contributions remain legendary. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 88.

• Item: NASA Project Mercury First Day of Issue Cover

• Date Stamp: Cape Canaveral, FL – February 20, 1962

• Signatures: Charles Conrad & Al Worden, signed in black ink

• Authentication: Encapsulated and certified authentic by Beckett Authentication Services

• Collection: From the personal autograph collection of Steve Grad, lead authenticator at Beckett Authentication, former Principal Authenticator at PSA/DNA (2002–2016), and a regular cast member on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars since 2013.

Collector Highlights:

• Dual-signed by two Apollo astronauts, including one of only twelve men to walk on the Moon.

• Both astronauts are deceased, making this an increasingly scarce opportunity.

• Encapsulated for long-term preservation and investment assurance.

• A museum-worthy addition for any NASA, Apollo, or space exploration collection.