The Soviet flag that traveled to the Moon was sold at Sotheby’s for $80 000. The auction house said that Oldrin took the flag as a diplomatic gesture and a symbol of humanity’s shared achievement.
The flag measured roughly 10 cm by 15 cm and was part of Oldrin’s personal kit aboard the command module Columbia. It was initially estimated at $7‑10 000 but fetched $80 000, the equivalent of about 6.2 million roubles. Among the 131 lots offered was a signed photograph of Alexei Leonov’s historic spacewalk during the 1965 “Vostok‑2” mission.
By experts: The flag’s sale illustrates how space relics become powerful symbols beyond their political origins. Specialists note that such items carry both historical weight and market appeal, and the price far above the estimate reflects strong collector demand for genuine artifacts of human exploration.
Online users highlight the flag’s role as a unifying emblem, stressing that it recalls a moment when Cold‑War rivals cooperated for a common goal. Some focus on the commercial excitement, while others value its cultural significance, showing how historic objects can spark both enthusiasm and debate.
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