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Overview
This silver medal for Antarctic Discovery was awarded by the Royal Geographical Society to Captain Scott and members of the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-04. The obverse depicts a three-quarter profile of Robert Scott wearing a uniform and naval cap facing left, set into laurel branches, with inscription: 'TO CAPTAIN ROBERT FALCON SCOTT RN CVO FRGS / COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION' around the outer edge, and 'January 2 1902 / March 5 1904' across the back.
The reverse depicts two figures in the foreground with a sledge and flag, and the ship Discovery in the background with three more figures and a sledge, and a mountain-scape behind. Penguins and seals are depicted at the bottom, with an inscription around the outer edge: “PRESENTED BY THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY / FOR ANTARCTIC DISCOVERY”.
Commander Robert Falcon Scott's National Antarctic (Discovery) Expedition, 1901-04
The National Antarctic Expedition 1901–04 was sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society, the British Government and a London businessman. Royal Navy Commander Robert Falcon Scott was selected to lead the expedition, with a purpose-built ship, the Discovery. The expedition had a large budget and was planned on a grand scale.
The National Antarctic Expedition was highly successful with a ‘furthest south’ record of 82º 16’ S established. It undertook comprehensive scientific observations and geographical discoveries. Research, observations and field work included meteorology, geology, glaciology, botany, marine biology and cartography.