"Resolution and Adventure" Medal, 1772

"Resolution and Adventure" medal, 1772.

This medal is one of 2,000 which were struck in 'platina' ( a alloy of brass, copper, lead, tin and antimony) for distribution to indigenous people by James Cook and his men of the ships 'Resolution' and 'Adventure' during the Second Voyage of 1772-75. This example has significance as showing evidence of having been worn as a pendant.

Cook's ships "Resolution" and "Adventure" are depicted on the reverse of the medal, with an inscription  "Sailed from England March MDCCCXXII".  The obverse depicts King George III with the  inscription "George III King.of.Gr.Britain.France.and.Ireland etc". Originally, a ribbon was passed through a suspension loop enabling the medal to be worn around the neck of its recipient. This medal formerly had a brass suspension loop drilled into the rim above the King's head. The loop has been cut off flush with the medal's rim, but the portion of the loop which was inserted into the medal is still visible.

The reverse of the medal shows a pattern of wear consistent with the medal having been worn as a pendant for some time by a person. The obverse with the King's head is in better condition. This is consistent with the original purpose of the medals, which were to be worn by recipients as emblems of King George's regard for them.