1772 Resolution and Adventure medal (Eimer 744a, BHM 165, Be...

Hammer

£6,500

1772 Resolution and Adventure medal (Eimer 744a, BHM 165, Betts 552). Obverse: laureate bust of George III, right, 'GEORGE · III · KING · OF · GR · BRITAIN · FRANCE · AND · IRELAND · ETC ·'. Reverse: two ships at sea, 'RESOLUTION' and 'ADVENTURE' above, 'SAILED · FROM · ENGLAND MARCH · MDCCLXXII' below. Weight: 32.96g. Diameter: 42.5mm. Thickness: 3mm. Orientation: medallic. Grade: nF - near Fine, reverse die flaw, hole to top edge.

2,000 medals of this type were made for distribution to Pacific Islanders during Captain James Cook's second voyage (1772-1775). The medal was commissioned by the naturalist Joseph Banks and manufactured by Matthew Boulton and John Fothergill whose initial appear on the truncation of George III's neck. The dies were engraved by John Westwood

This example shows the typical die crack which affects the word 'MARCH' on the reverse. A hole suggestive of the presence of a lost hanging mechanism can be found on the top rim. Measuring just under 43mm, this medal shows no trace of gilding and tests as a copper-zinc alloy.