Title:
Original 9/11 Ground Zero Photograph – "World Trade Center Skeleton" by Responding NJ Police Officer Mike Coppola, PSA Type III Authenticated
Description:
This powerful original photograph captures the haunting steel façade remnant of the World Trade Center towers—a skeletal silhouette standing amidst the smoldering ruins at Ground Zero. Taken by New Jersey police officer and first responder Mike J. Coppola, the image shows one of the most iconic and sobering visuals of September 11, 2001: the surviving latticework of Tower One’s outer structure, rising starkly against a smoke-filled morning sky.
The photograph is printed on Konica photographic paper and measures approximately 5" x 7". It is authenticated and slabbed by PSA as a Type III photograph, denoting it was produced from the original digital file within approximately two years of the event. The reverse features Coppola’s printed contact label. The PSA slab preserves the photograph in pristine condition, with clear, vibrant detail and striking contrast.
Historical Context:
This photograph was taken by Mike J. Coppola, a New Jersey police officer, EMT, and volunteer firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center collapse as a member of Metro Fire Radio, a private volunteer emergency communications organization. Coppola rushed to Ground Zero from New Jersey alongside the Jersey City Fire Department, arriving moments before the collapse of the North Tower.
In his firsthand account published in Police Magazine on October 31, 2001, titled “I Heard the Snap of the Tower,” Coppola recounted the moment:
“Tower One began to crack at the seams from the heat of the jet fuel fire. Then came the snap—the final breaking point. There was no time to think, only to run. We couldn’t even take photographs. We were running for our lives.”
After escaping the initial collapse, Coppola returned to the scene to continue assisting and documenting the wreckage. He described it as a “war zone,” writing:
“We updated Metro as soon as we could and went right back to work—putting out even more fires and dodging exploding cars. We photographed what we could, when we could. On that day, I saw heroes in action, and they were all around me.”
This particular image—of the last standing segment of the towers—is among the most symbolic representations of the 9/11 tragedy. It encapsulates both the magnitude of destruction and the resilience that followed.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This photo is PSA/DNA authenticated as a Type III Photograph, meaning it was developed from the original digital file during the early 2000s, shortly after the event.
PSA Certification Number: 68576350
PSA red label reads: "DIGITAL PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH / AFTERMATH OF 9/11 ATTACK / GROUND ZERO/WORLD TRADE CENTER / MIKE J. COPPOLA"
Reverse includes a printed label with Coppola’s contact information and website: www.metrofireradio.com
Additional Documentation & Provenance:At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.
Closing Appeal:
Visually arresting and emotionally charged, this PSA-authenticated Ground Zero photograph is more than just a historical document—it is a firsthand testament from a police officer who lived through the chaos and contributed to the rescue efforts. The skeletal remains of the World Trade Center, captured here in stark silhouette, have come to symbolize the enduring impact of 9/11 and the unbreakable spirit of those who responded. An invaluable addition for collectors of American history, emergency services memorabilia, or artifacts of resilience and remembrance.
Shipping Notice: For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
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Title:
Original 9/11 Ground Zero Photograph – "World Trade Center Skeleton" by Responding NJ Police Officer Mike Coppola, PSA Type III Authenticated
Description:
This powerful original photograph captures the haunting steel façade remnant of the World Trade Center towers—a skeletal silhouette standing amidst the smoldering ruins at Ground Zero. Taken by New Jersey police officer and first responder Mike J. Coppola, the image shows one of the most iconic and sobering visuals of September 11, 2001: the surviving latticework of Tower One’s outer structure, rising starkly against a smoke-filled morning sky.
The photograph is printed on Konica photographic paper and measures approximately 5" x 7". It is authenticated and slabbed by PSA as a Type III photograph, denoting it was produced from the original digital file within approximately two years of the event. The reverse features Coppola’s printed contact label. The PSA slab preserves the photograph in pristine condition, with clear, vibrant detail and striking contrast.
Historical Context:
This photograph was taken by Mike J. Coppola, a New Jersey police officer, EMT, and volunteer firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center collapse as a member of Metro Fire Radio, a private volunteer emergency communications organization. Coppola rushed to Ground Zero from New Jersey alongside the Jersey City Fire Department, arriving moments before the collapse of the North Tower.
In his firsthand account published in Police Magazine on October 31, 2001, titled “I Heard the Snap of the Tower,” Coppola recounted the moment:
“Tower One began to crack at the seams from the heat of the jet fuel fire. Then came the snap—the final breaking point. There was no time to think, only to run. We couldn’t even take photographs. We were running for our lives.”
After escaping the initial collapse, Coppola returned to the scene to continue assisting and documenting the wreckage. He described it as a “war zone,” writing:
“We updated Metro as soon as we could and went right back to work—putting out even more fires and dodging exploding cars. We photographed what we could, when we could. On that day, I saw heroes in action, and they were all around me.”
This particular image—of the last standing segment of the towers—is among the most symbolic representations of the 9/11 tragedy. It encapsulates both the magnitude of destruction and the resilience that followed.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This photo is PSA/DNA authenticated as a Type III Photograph, meaning it was developed from the original digital file during the early 2000s, shortly after the event.
PSA Certification Number: 68576350
PSA red label reads: "DIGITAL PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH / AFTERMATH OF 9/11 ATTACK / GROUND ZERO/WORLD TRADE CENTER / MIKE J. COPPOLA"
Reverse includes a printed label with Coppola’s contact information and website: www.metrofireradio.com
Additional Documentation & Provenance:At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.
Closing Appeal:
Visually arresting and emotionally charged, this PSA-authenticated Ground Zero photograph is more than just a historical document—it is a firsthand testament from a police officer who lived through the chaos and contributed to the rescue efforts. The skeletal remains of the World Trade Center, captured here in stark silhouette, have come to symbolize the enduring impact of 9/11 and the unbreakable spirit of those who responded. An invaluable addition for collectors of American history, emergency services memorabilia, or artifacts of resilience and remembrance.
Shipping Notice: For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
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$695.00
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$695.00
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Original 9/11 World Trade Center Ground Zero Photograph by NJ Cop PSA Type III
Title:
Original 9/11 Ground Zero Photograph – "World Trade Center Skeleton" by Responding NJ Police Officer Mike Coppola, PSA Type III Authenticated
Description:
This powerful original photograph captures the haunting steel façade remnant of the World Trade Center towers—a skeletal silhouette standing amidst the smoldering ruins at Ground Zero. Taken by New Jersey police officer and first responder Mike J. Coppola, the image shows one of the most iconic and sobering visuals of September 11, 2001: the surviving latticework of Tower One’s outer structure, rising starkly against a smoke-filled morning sky.
The photograph is printed on Konica photographic paper and measures approximately 5" x 7". It is authenticated and slabbed by PSA as a Type III photograph, denoting it was produced from the original digital file within approximately two years of the event. The reverse features Coppola’s printed contact label. The PSA slab preserves the photograph in pristine condition, with clear, vibrant detail and striking contrast.
Historical Context:
This photograph was taken by Mike J. Coppola, a New Jersey police officer, EMT, and volunteer firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center collapse as a member of Metro Fire Radio, a private volunteer emergency communications organization. Coppola rushed to Ground Zero from New Jersey alongside the Jersey City Fire Department, arriving moments before the collapse of the North Tower.
In his firsthand account published in Police Magazine on October 31, 2001, titled “I Heard the Snap of the Tower,” Coppola recounted the moment:
“Tower One began to crack at the seams from the heat of the jet fuel fire. Then came the snap—the final breaking point. There was no time to think, only to run. We couldn’t even take photographs. We were running for our lives.”
After escaping the initial collapse, Coppola returned to the scene to continue assisting and documenting the wreckage. He described it as a “war zone,” writing:
“We updated Metro as soon as we could and went right back to work—putting out even more fires and dodging exploding cars. We photographed what we could, when we could. On that day, I saw heroes in action, and they were all around me.”
This particular image—of the last standing segment of the towers—is among the most symbolic representations of the 9/11 tragedy. It encapsulates both the magnitude of destruction and the resilience that followed.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This photo is PSA/DNA authenticated as a Type III Photograph, meaning it was developed from the original digital file during the early 2000s, shortly after the event.
PSA Certification Number: 68576350
PSA red label reads: "DIGITAL PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH / AFTERMATH OF 9/11 ATTACK / GROUND ZERO/WORLD TRADE CENTER / MIKE J. COPPOLA"
Reverse includes a printed label with Coppola’s contact information and website: www.metrofireradio.com
Additional Documentation & Provenance:At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.
Closing Appeal:
Visually arresting and emotionally charged, this PSA-authenticated Ground Zero photograph is more than just a historical document—it is a firsthand testament from a police officer who lived through the chaos and contributed to the rescue efforts. The skeletal remains of the World Trade Center, captured here in stark silhouette, have come to symbolize the enduring impact of 9/11 and the unbreakable spirit of those who responded. An invaluable addition for collectors of American history, emergency services memorabilia, or artifacts of resilience and remembrance.
Shipping Notice: For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
