Francis Gary Powers
[Sun Valley, California], September 6, 1972
Francis Gary Powers PSA MINT 9 Signed Check
DS

A personal check signed by Francis Gary Powers (1929-1977), former C.I.A. operative and spy plane pilot, as "Francis G. Powers" on the signature line; the particulars of the check are also engrossed in Powers's hand. Check number 616, dated September 6, 1972, directed cashiers of the Security Pacific National Bank of Sun Valley, California to pay $6.29 to J.C. Penney. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA graded MINT 9. Bearing the usual clerical perforations, stamps, and other markings recto and verso. Near fine. The check measures 6" x 2.75" while the slab measures 9.5" x 4.5."

Francis Gary Powers, an ex-U.S. Air Force pilot, was recruited by the C.I.A. U-2 espionage program in the late 1950s. In this role, Powers undertook secretive and dangerous high-altitude reconnaissance missions in Soviet air space, snapping photographs of military installations, transportation hubs, and other landmarks. On May 1, 1960, Powers was shot down by Soviet aircraft in the Ural Mountains region. He successfully parachuted out of his aircraft but was apprehended by Soviet authorities. Powers was convicted of espionage in August 1960 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was eventually released in a prisoner exchange on February 10, 1962 after serving a little less than two years.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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slabbed: 9.5" x 4.5"