Medal from Captain Cook’s Second Voyage Set for Auction

A medal originating from Captain James Cook’s second voyage of discovery is scheduled for auction, with an estimated value of up to £3,000. This medal was commissioned by the renowned botanist Sir Joseph Banks and funded by the Admiralty, which had dispatched Captain Cook on his expedition to the southernmost regions to conclusively ascertain the existence of any significant southern landmass. Gareth Wasp, the head auctioneer, stated: “This is a very rare medal, with only 2,000 known to have been made back in 1772.” This brass artifact is slated for sale on 4 December at Wilshire’s Auction House, located in Royal Wootton Bassett. Historical records indicate that these medals were distributed to local inhabitants in over 30 locations visited by Captain Cook and his crews throughout the Pacific, such as Tahiti, Easter Island, and New Zealand. Their purpose was twofold: to provide evidence to subsequent explorers of Captain Cook’s prior presence and to acquaint indigenous populations with the reigning British monarch at the time, King George III, whose likeness is depicted on the reverse side. The medal features the two vessels commissioned for the expedition, HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure, and bears the inscription ‘Sailed from England March · MDCCLXXII’ (1772). Sir Joseph had initially planned to participate in Captain Cook’s second voyage but withdrew just before departure, which caused a delay and resulted in the incorrect date being inscribed on the medals. Mr. Wasp commented: “The link to the voyages of Captain Cook is sure to attract bids from collectors of Cook memorabilia as well as those interested in commemorative medals.” The original recipient of the medal remains unknown; however, it has been consigned for sale by a local collector who has requested anonymity.