Lot 666

Description

George III, Resolution and Adventure medal, 1772, in silver (44mm) by J. Westwood for Matthew Boulton for Sir Joseph Banks. Struck from the second reverse die (without die crack). (M.H. 373; BHM.165, Eimer 744). Only 142 struck, blue and gold toning, good extremely fine and rare, one of the finest known.

The obverse is signed B:F (Boulton fecit?) on the truncation. The type in bronze was issued sometimes with a loop mount on the edge and was intended for distribution to natives in the Pacific islands during Captain Cook's voyage. Some examples have been found on the coast of some of these islands including New Zealand.