<h1>How to Get Your Moon Rock Sample Apollo 17 Appraised</h1> <p>The Moon Rock Sample from Apollo 17 stands as one of humanity's most extraordinary collectibles—a tangible piece of lunar geology worth approximately <strong>$1.885 million</strong>. If you own or are considering acquiring this extraterrestrial treasure, understanding the appraisal process ensures you have the certified documentation necessary for insurance, sale, or estate planning purposes.</p> <h2>What Makes Your Apollo 17 Moon Rock Valuable</h2> <p>Your Moon Rock Sample represents far more than a geological specimen. It's one of only <strong>2,196 lunar samples ever collected</strong>, making it exponentially rarer than any terrestrial <a href="/types/jewelry">gemstone</a> or <a href="/types/antiques">antique artifact</a>. Collected by astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt during the Apollo 17 mission—the last manned lunar landing in 1972—your sample connects directly to humanity's greatest space achievement.</p> <p>The composition and structure of this lunar material provide invaluable scientific insights into the Moon's geological history and formation. This dual appeal—both scientific and historical significance—creates a unique market dynamic where your Moon Rock's value stems from its irreplicable rarity combined with its unquestionable authenticity and provenance.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Collector's Note</strong></p> <p>Moon rocks are so rare and historically significant that they command valuations that far exceed comparable <a href="/types/memorabilia-and-collectibles">memorabilia and collectibles</a> in other categories.</p></div> <h2>Understanding the Market for Lunar Samples</h2> <p>How much is an Apollo moon rock worth? The answer depends on several factors. Apollo samples vary significantly in value based on their size, composition, scientific relevance, and documentation history. Your Apollo 17 specimen sits in the premium tier of lunar collectibles, valued at <strong>$1.885 million</strong>, reflecting its exceptional rarity and the prestige of being collected during humanity's final moonwalk.</p> <p>Are moon rocks worth anything? Absolutely. In fact, they're worth considerably more than most people realize. A single gram of lunar material can command prices ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the specific sample and its historical context. The first lunar sample returned since Apollo 16 status adds further premium value to Apollo 17 specimens, making accurate appraisal essential for understanding your asset's true worth.</p> <p>Museums and private collectors actively compete for authenticated lunar samples, creating sustained demand that supports the high valuation. Unlike terrestrial gemstones where supply can be replenished through mining, moon rocks remain absolutely finite—no new samples have been collected in over 50 years, and legal restrictions prevent casual ownership or trading of these materials.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Market Reality</strong></p> <p>Your Moon Rock Sample represents an investment-grade asset that typically appreciates over time due to diminishing availability and increasing historical significance.</p></div> <h2>Why Legal Ownership Matters</h2> <p>Why is it illegal to own a moon rock? This question reflects common confusion about lunar sample regulations. In reality, ownership isn't universally illegal—it depends entirely on the sample's provenance and how it was obtained. The U.S. government, through NASA, retains strict control over all lunar samples collected by American astronauts. However, certain authenticated samples have been legally gifted to museums and private collectors through official channels, making legitimate ownership possible.</p> <p>Your Apollo 17 Moon Rock Sample's legal status directly affects its appraisal value. Samples with clear documentation showing lawful transfer and authenticated provenance command full market value. Conversely, samples with questionable ownership history or undocumented origins face significant legal and financial complications, potentially rendering them worthless in legitimate markets.</p> <p>Professional appraisers specializing in rare collectibles understand these legal complexities. When you work with AppraiseItNow's certified experts, they verify your sample's documentation chain, confirm its scientific authenticity, and assess its legal standing—all essential components of a comprehensive appraisal that protects your interests whether you're buying, selling, or insuring this extraordinary asset.</p> <h2>The Appraisal Process for Lunar Samples</h2> <p>How much does a moon sample cost? Pricing reflects both scientific analysis and market demand. Professional appraisers like those at <strong>AppraiseItNow</strong> employ specialized knowledge of lunar geology, space exploration history, and collectibles markets to accurately value your sample.</p> <p>The appraisal process for your Apollo 17 Moon Rock involves several critical steps. First, authenticators verify the sample's scientific credentials through geological analysis and documentation review. Your sample should include NASA certification, original collection records, and clear chain-of-custody documentation proving its Apollo 17 origin. Second, appraisers assess the sample's condition—preservation quality directly impacts value, as does the integrity of its containment or display materials.</p> <p>Third, market analysis establishes comparative valuation. While each lunar sample is unique, professional appraisers reference recent sales, museum acquisitions, and collector transactions to establish fair market value. This process mirrors how experts approach <a href="/types/artwork">artwork appraisals</a> or <a href="/types/business-assets">business asset valuations</a>—by combining technical analysis with market data to reach defensible conclusions.</p> <p>Finally, appraisers prepare detailed reports suitable for insurance companies, attorneys, and financial institutions. These USPAP-compliant documents provide the evidentiary support necessary for estate planning, charitable contributions, insurance coverage, or sale transactions.</p> <h2>Market Comparisons and Recent Sales</h2> <p>How many moon rocks did Apollo 17 bring back? The mission returned approximately 110 kilograms of lunar material—some of the most scientifically valuable samples from any Apollo mission. However, the vast majority remains in NASA's secure collection for ongoing scientific research. The relatively small number released into private collections makes each authenticated specimen exceptionally rare.</p> <p>Understanding recent market activity helps contextualize your sample's valuation. Premium lunar samples have appeared at major auction houses and private sales, with authenticated pieces consistently achieving six-figure valuations. Your Apollo 17 Moon Rock Sample's <strong>$1.885 million</strong> appraisal reflects its position at the apex of lunar collectibles—combining the historical significance of the final moonwalk with the scientific value of pristine extraterrestrial material.</p> <p>Can you actually buy moon rock? Yes, through legitimate channels. Authenticated specimens have been acquired by major museums, university research programs, and private collectors. However, the process requires rigorous verification of provenance, legal ownership status, and scientific authenticity. Working with certified appraisers ensures you understand both the opportunity and the obligations associated with lunar sample ownership.</p> <h2>Documentation and Provenance Requirements</h2> <p>Your Moon Rock Sample's appraisal value hinges directly on documentation quality. Comprehensive provenance records establish authenticity, legal ownership, and scientific credibility. Essential documentation includes NASA collection certificates, chain-of-custody records, geological analysis reports, and any transfer documentation between previous owners or institutions.</p> <p>Professional appraisers understand the specific requirements for authenticating space exploration collectibles. They examine scientific data validating the sample's lunar origin, verify all signatures and seals on original documentation, and assess the integrity of the sample's preservation or display condition. This meticulous documentation process parallels how experts approach <a href="/types/antique-artwork">antique artwork</a> authentication or <a href="/blog/what-do-you-need-to-know-before-getting-a-memorabilia-and-collectibles-appraisal">rare memorabilia verification</a>.</p> <p>When obtaining your appraisal, compile all available documentation. Original NASA documents carry substantially more weight than secondary sources. Original collection logs, mission records, and official correspondence directly connecting your sample to the Apollo 17 mission strengthen both its authenticity and its market position.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Important</strong></p> <p>Keep all original documentation in secure storage. Physical condition of certificates and records doesn't affect the sample's value, but their preservation proves invaluable for authentication purposes.</p></div> <h2>Insurance and Protection Considerations</h2> <p>How many of the 12 men who walked on the moon are still alive? While most Apollo astronauts have passed away, their legacy and the artifacts from their missions continue generating significant collector interest. Your Moon Rock Sample's historical connection to this achievement justifies comprehensive insurance coverage reflecting its <strong>$1.885 million</strong> valuation.</p> <p>Professional appraisals form the foundation of appropriate insurance protection. Insurance companies require certified appraisals for high-value items, particularly unique collectibles like lunar samples. Your AppraiseItNow appraisal provides the documentation necessary to secure agreed-value coverage that reimburses you at the appraised amount should loss or damage occur.</p> <p>Beyond insurance, appraisals support estate planning objectives. If you're incorporating your Moon Rock Sample into your estate, a current certified appraisal ensures accurate asset valuation for tax purposes, distribution planning, and beneficiary communication. This mirrors the importance of professional appraisals for <a href="/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-appraisals-for-charitable-contributions">charitable contributions</a> or <a href="/blog/the-importance-of-accurate-appraisals-in-estate-planning-protecting-your-assets">estate planning</a>.</p> <h2>The Significance of Apollo 17</h2> <p>How much money did Apollo 17 cost? The entire Apollo program represented an investment of approximately <strong>$280 billion in current dollars</strong>, with individual missions costing hundreds of millions each. This extraordinary expenditure reflected humanity's commitment to lunar exploration, making every artifact from these missions—particularly tangible samples from the lunar surface—inherently valuable.</p> <p>Apollo 17 stands as the final chapter of America's moonwalk program, making it uniquely significant in space exploration history. Your sample carries this historical weight: it's not just lunar material, but specifically material from humanity's last direct interaction with the Moon's surface. This narrative significance—combined with the material's absolute scientific rarity—creates a collectible with enduring value and appeal to museums, research institutions, and sophisticated collectors worldwide.</p> <h2>Why Professional Appraisal Matters for Lunar Samples</h2> <p>Accurate valuation of your Apollo 17 Moon Rock Sample requires specialized expertise. Unlike terrestrial collectibles where comparable pricing is relatively straightforward, lunar samples occupy a unique market niche requiring deep knowledge of space history, geological science, authentication protocols, and regulatory frameworks.</p> <p>AppraiseItNow's certified appraisers bring exactly this expertise to your appraisal. Our credentialed professionals—including AAA, ISA, ASA, CAGA, and AMEA-certified experts—understand the specific factors that establish fair market value for space exploration collectibles. We provide comprehensive documentation suitable for insurance companies, estate attorneys, and financial advisors, ensuring your Moon Rock Sample receives appropriate recognition and protection.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p> <p>Your Apollo 17 Moon Rock Sample's $1.885 million valuation reflects its status as one of Earth's rarest and most historically significant collectibles. Professional appraisal from certified experts provides the authenticated documentation necessary for insurance, estate planning, and sale purposes, ensuring this extraordinary piece of human achievement receives the recognition and protection it deserves.</p></div>