It's world-wide and iconic milestones like the 100 years since the beginning and end to World War I or the 50th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon just last weekend, that sees the rise of memorabilia to mark and celebrate these moments in history.
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It's almost become expected these days and it's a collector's heaven.
The Apollo 11 anniversary has particularly struck a chord with Lansvale man Geoff Willett, this connection made even stronger by the fact the Parkes Radio Telescope was involved in that historic mission and the television broadcast of those famous images in 1969.
The 79-year-old is a coin collector, has been since landing his hands on his first full shilling set in 1963.
So naturally, when Australian and United States mints began releasing Apollo 11 50th anniversary coins, he purchased them, including the USA's first curved 5oz silver proof 76mm coin worth more than $700.
But upon the release of the Royal Australian Mint's initial set - the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing 2019 Six Coin Proof Year Set - something just didn't sit right with Geoff.
"It wasn't fair and it's what started me off.
"The Royal Australian Mint didn't recognise Parkes, it just feels one sided."
He's claimed the Mint has distorted and misrepresented history by giving credit to Honeysuckle Creek near Canberra for its 'first few minutes of the iconic television broadcast', with no mention of Parkes.
Geoff believes credit should be given to the technicians and hard working people of the Parkes Radio Telescope, whose pictures were of such superior quality that NASA ended up remaining with the Parkes TV pictures for the remainder of the two and a half hour telecast.
He's written letters to the Mint and CSIRO.
He's urging the Mint to produce a 50th anniversary commemorative coin of the Apollo 11 moon landing, crediting Parkes.
The Mint, in partnership with the United States Mint, did release domed nickel plated, gold and silver coins ahead of the 50th anniversary, with one side depicting the famous Dish pointed towards the moon.
But for Geoff it's not enough.
"They need to give proper credit to Parkes," he said.
Parkes has become a sentimental place for Geoff, calling the town his "halfway home" when he was a commercial traveller across western NSW in the 50s and 60s.
He worked for the wholesale company S Hoffnung & Co Sydney, selling everything from dolls eyes to toothpicks from Bathurst to Broken Hill, from Condobolin to Mudgee and everywhere in between.
"Parkes was my halfway point," he said.
"I stayed at the Tattersals Hotel which I believe is now the Coachman Hotel.
"Not much has changed, the countryside is still the same.
"I'm surprised your silos aren't painted yet," he laughed.
During his stays in Parkes, Geoff had the privilege of watching the Dish being built, making special trips to Telescope Road to check in on its progress.
"I was interested in it," he said.
"They were building this big dish in the middle of a paddock for space exploration, it seemed odd."
Geoff wouldn't have missed the 50th anniversary open days at the Parkes Radio Telescope for the world on the weekend, bringing along grandson Ryan Willett from Greta.
They enjoyed the tours, talks and a stroll around the open grounds.
"It's showing its age now... [But] it's fabulous," Geoff said.
"You appreciate it and the technology that was needed to build a steel structure like that."
What do you think?
