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News from Spink
Captain Cook
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Captain Cook’s “Resolution” and “Adventure” Medal, 1772, struck in silver by Mathew Boulton, 41mm. Obverse: laureate bust of king George III right, BF (Boulton Fecit) on truncation, inscription GEORGE III KING OF GR BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND ETC. around. Reverse: view of the frigates “HMS Resolution” and “HMS Adventure” seen from astern, with their names above and SAILED FROM ENGLAND MARCH MDCCLXXII below in exergue.
Pleasantly toned, surface marks otherwise nearly extremely fine and very rare
Estimate £3,500-£4,000
These medals were struck for Captain Cook’s second voyage to the Pacific Ocean in 1772. The purpose of the voyage was “to determine the existence of an Antarctic continent and explore the high southern latitudes”, which lead to the discovery of mainland Australia. The voyage actually set sail later than planned in July 1772 and was to last over three years.
On board was a barrel of 2,000 bronze and bronze gilt medals for Captain Cook to give to local chiefs and others he might meet in the course of the voyage, in exchange for safe passage and provisions. There were also two gold and 102 silver examples of the same medal struck, ordered by the eminent botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who had accompanied Cook on his first voyage and was due to join the second. These medals were probably intended for presentation to sponsors, friends and VIP’s and are highly prized today. In the event however he withdrew from the expedition shortly before its departure.
Cook spent his formative years in Whitby as a sailor working on colliers. In Cook’s time, down by Whitby harbour, was Tyremans’s Coffee House (now the site of the Marine Hotel). This medal is the property of the descendants of the family that ran Tyreman’s coffee house and who still live in Whitby. The family have owned the medal ever since the time of Cook. The circumstances under which the medal came in to the family’s possession was unfortunately not recorded.
This fascinating medal will be sold at Spink on November 27th, lot 460, estimated at £3500-£4000.
About Spink
Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide. Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 35 auctions a year around the globe. In June 2006 Spink shattered the world record for a British Coin sold at auction with the sale of the Double Leopard Gold Coin for a staggering £460,000.
Public Enquiries: 020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com or info@spink.com
Images: Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009
