The two reels are not much to look at and the quality of their audio recordings, while described to be "excellent," exists in other formats. Their pedigree, though, is unique, which may be why they are estimated to be worth more than 10 times their weight in gold — an appropriate figure given that they were used in the creation of perhaps the most iconic golden records in existence.
On Thursday (July 27), Sotheby's will offer famed astronomer Carl Sagan and award-winning documentary producer Ann Druyan's personal copy of the master recording for NASA's Voyager Golden Record, identical discs intended as audio-visual time capsule that are now farther away from Earth than any other human-made objects in history.
"The Voyager missions are among the greatest acts of exploration in history, and the undertaking of the Golden Record reflects the incredible optimism, fascination and humility when faced with the great unknown of the universe. Led by Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan, the production of the record was a monumental task and it is a great honor to offer their personal copy of this most profound and unique artifact," Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's global head of science and popular culture, said in a statement.
Sotheby's estimates that the Golden Record reels will command $400,000 to $600,000 (the minimum bid is $300,000). They are listed as Lot 80, the final item in the auction house's upcoming Space Exploration sale in New York.
Related: Scientists' predictions for the long-term future of the Voyager Golden Records will blow your mind
