Legislation is being considered by Congress to award posthumously a congressional gold medal collectively to the Mercury 13 — skilled women pilots who attempted to break the gender barrier to become astronauts.

The Mercury 13 participated in the program, known as First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLAT).

Dr. Randy Lovelace, a NASA scientist who had conducted the official Mercury program physicals, administered the tests at his private clinic without official NASA sanction.

The Mercury 13 were finalists from among more than 20 women who initially entered FLAT.

While one of them, Geraldyn “Jerrie” Cobb, was sworn in as a consultant to NASA Administrator James Webb on the issue of women in space, political pressure and internal opposition led NASA officials to restrict its official astronaut training program to men.

H.R. 4682 was introduced in the House by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-PA.

Should the legislation be passed and signed into law, the Treasury has the discretion to order the U.S. Mint to strike and offer for sale to the public 1.5-inch and 3-inch bronze duplicates of the gold medal.

Currently, the U.S. Mint offers bronze duplicates of previously approved gold medals at $20 for the 1.5-inch version and $160 for the 3-inch version.

The bronze duplicates medals would be struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

Connect with Coin World:  
Sign up for our free eNewsletter
Access our Dealer Directory  
Like us on Facebook  
Follow us on X (Twitter)
Keep in touch on MyCollect - the social media platform for collectibles 

Whether you’re a current subscriber or new, you can take advantage of the best offers on magazine subscriptions available in digital, print or both! Whether you want your issue every week or every month, there’s a subscription to meet your needs.