Lot 114
Commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks and struck by Matthew Boulton for Captain Cook's Second Voyage. 2000 medals were struck in platina (brass) to be offered to natives encountered on Captain Cook's Second Voyage of Discovery. Exceedingly rare being one of only a handful known with the original suspension loop still attached
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Dimensions:
- Diameter 42mm Exhibited:
- Medals, Commemorative Literature:
- Coins, Monies & Stamps Medium:
- 393 Circa:
- Collectibles Notes:
- The Resolution and Adventure Medals were commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks and struck at the Soho Mint by Matthew Boulton to commemorate the setting out of James Cook on his Second Voyage of Discovery. Banks had essentially financed the venture and intended to accompany Cook on the journey to the Antarctic and Pacific along with a group of friends. However, he fell out with the Admiralty when the cumbersome additions he had paid for to comfortably accommodate his party made the vessels dangerously unseaworthy and unfit for such a long voyage. The medals had already been struck when Banks withdrew from the voyage in a fit of pique, and so were put to their intended use. It is reported that 2000 platina (brass) medals were made and taken on board to be distributed to natives encountered on the journey. Up to 142 medals were also struck in silver and presented to Banks friends and members of the Royal Society, and only two in gold for Banks and King George III. The platina medals were stuck on a different reverse die to the silver and gold strikes and all have a very large and noticeable die crack. From an historical perspective, it can be argued that they are also more desirable, as most would have travelled the world with Cook, whereas it is unlikely that any of the silver medals would have accompanied him on his journey. Although the number made was much larger, few have survived and they seldom turn up in original condition. The platina medal in our sale is one of only a few that have survived in high grade (Extremely Fine) and importantly with the original suspension loop attached. Condition:
- Smalls stains to surfaces
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| A$0 | A$249 | A$5 |
| A$250 | A$999 | A$10 |
| A$1,000 | A$4,999 | A$25 |
| A$5,000 | A$9,999 | A$50 |
| A$10,000 + | A$100 |