Smalls Auctions Sale 343 offers a remarkable selection for collectors of explorer and commemorative medals. Highlighted are the Resolution & Adventure Medals, struck in Silver and Platina (Brass) to commemorate Captain Cook’s Second Voyage to the Antarctic and Pacific. Produced for Sir Joseph Banks by Mathew Boulton at the Soho Mint, around 2,000 Platina medals were distributed to natives encountered on the voyage, and approximately 100 Silver medals were given to Banks’ friends and colleagues. Banks withdrew from the voyage after his luxury accommodations were removed by the Admiralty, but the medals were already produced, including two gold presentation pieces for Banks and King George III. Rare Pure Copper trial medals were struck to test the dies for the Silver and Gold versions, and one of these is included in this Sale. A superb high-grade Silver Medal (PCGD SP63) is also featured. Beyond these historic pieces, the Sale offers a cameo selection of other commemorative medals, including the Australia 1856 ‘Volunteer Movement’ Medal, the first medal struck at the Sydney Mint. As always, the Sale also features a curated offering of jewellery, coins, medals, and banknotes, making it a rich opportunity for collectors seeking rare and historically significant items.