This gilt copper medal honors the Messerschmitt ME 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft used by Germany during World War II. The ME 262 was a revolutionary aircraft that introduced jet propulsion into military aviation, significantly influencing post-war aircraft design. This medal is part of a series titled "History of Aviation - Milestones in Flight," highlighting pivotal moments in aviation history.
Specifications:
- Obverse Design: The obverse features a detailed representation of the Messerschmitt ME 262 in mid-takeoff, capturing the aerodynamic design and twin-engine layout of this iconic jet. The inscription "MESSERSCHMITT 'ME 262'" surrounds the design, emphasizing the aircraft's historic significance.
- Reverse Design: The reverse bears the legend "HISTORY OF AVIATION - MILESTONES IN FLIGHT" with a depiction of the Concorde supersonic jet flying over the globe. This imagery symbolizes the evolution of aviation from early jet technology to modern supersonic travel, showcasing the continuous innovation in aeronautics.
- Composition: Gilt copper
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Weight: 27.73 g
- Edge: Smooth ("lisse")
- Engraver: Not specified
- Punchmark: None ("sans poinçon")
Condition:
- Grade: MS (Mint State)
- Comments: The medal is encapsulated, maintaining its pristine condition. The gilt finish and intricate details of both obverse and reverse designs remain sharp, underscoring the medal's high-quality craftsmanship.
Historical Context: The Messerschmitt ME 262, introduced in 1944, was a game-changer in aerial combat. Although it arrived too late to alter the outcome of World War II, its performance outpaced that of traditional propeller-driven aircraft. With a top speed exceeding 800 km/h (500 mph), the ME 262 was primarily used in interceptor and ground-attack roles. Its influence extended beyond the war, inspiring jet developments in the United States, the Soviet Union, and other nations during the early Cold War era.
Significance: This medal is a valuable addition to collections focused on aviation history, military technology, and numismatics. It captures a key technological milestone that bridged wartime innovation with peacetime advancements in aviation. The combination of the Messerschmitt ME 262 and the Concorde on this medal reflects the broader narrative of human ingenuity in flight, from pioneering jets to supersonic passenger travel.
