Commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks and struck by Matthew Boulton for Captain Cook's Second Voyage

Size
Diameter 44mm

Medium
Medals, Commemorative

Literature
The Resolution and Adventure Medals were commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks and struck at the Soho Mint by Matthew Boulton to commemorate James Cook's 'Second Voyage of Discovery.' Banks had essentially financed the venture and intended to accompany Cook on the journey to the Antarctic and Pacific along with a group of friends. However, he fell out with the Admiralty when the comfortable additions he had paid for to accommodate his party made the vessels dangerously unseaworthy and unfit for such a long voyage. The medals had already been struck when Banks withdrew from the voyage in a fit of pique, and so were put to their intended use. It is reported that 2000 platina (brass) medals were made and taken on board to be distributed to natives encountered on the journey. Up to 142 medals were also struck in silver and presented to Bank's friends and members of the Royal Society, and only two in gold for Banks and King George III.

Exhibited
Medals & Medallions