Struck for NASA by the L. G. Balfour Company of Massachusetts these medals were for distribution to NASA and space industry employees that worked on the missions. They were not originally available to the public but in 1973 the International Numismatic Agency, 96 Prince Street, New York, New York was appointed exclusive distributors to the public for the 13 medals. The medals distributed by the International Numismatic Agency were only available in sets which came in custom designed leatherette chests lined with silk and velvet.

The medals were struck in both sterling silver and pewter. The designs were taken from sketches and photographs approved by the NASA artist and technicians associated with each mission. The medals commemorate the following missions: Freedom 7, Friendship 7, Gemini 4, Gemini 6 & 7, Gemini 8, Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17.

These 1 3/16 inch medals are struck in a special three dimensional high relief technique developed by the Balfour Company. These medals have a look like no other high relief medals you've probably ever encountered. The relief is so deep and the angles so crisp that you'll swear the metal in the recesses is tissue thin. The International Numismatic Agency press release in the November 1973 Numismatist stated the Balfour method "stresses the carved contours of the design elements. This unusual perspective involves the viewer as a participant in the drama of each mission." The medals are quite interesting and photography does not do them justice.