Medals

"Resolution and Adventure" medal, struck in 1772

Whilst many medals have been struck to commemorate Captain Cook, his voyages and his exploits, none are more prized by collectors and museums than his "Resolution and Adventure" medal.

Struck in 1772 and distributed during the second and third voyages throughout the islands of the Pacific Ocean, these medals are now exceedingly rare. The Resolution and the Adventure appear on one side of the medal, with the head of George III on the other.

2000 were struck in base metal (copper and brass) and just over 100 in silver. The silver medals did not accompany Cook on his voyages, but appear to have been distributed in England. Two were struck in 24 carat gold.

Most of the few surviving base metal medals show significant signs of wear or corrosion, and several are now in the possession of museums. Very few specimens remain in private hands.

Whilst there has been some documentation of known specimens published internationally, as yet there is no up-to-date record of the known surviving specimens.

A prominent numismatist, Mr Peter Lane, of Adelaide, South Australia, possesses a superb example of this medal. It is a specimen left at Bruny Island, Tasmania.

Peter Lane is President of the Numismatic Society of South Australia and is a Council Member of the Numismatic Association of Australia. He is now undertaking a study of all known specimens of the medal, wherever they can be located.

Peter plans to produce a publication which should be of great interest to many people.

Anybody possessing such a medal, or any relevant information, should write in or email the Captain Cook Study Unit.

John Hope

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 966, volume 16, number 4 (1993).

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Previous Comments:
Joshua Lockard
Hi, I I've recently acquired an exceedingly rare bronze example (not platina) of the Resolution and Adventure medal. And I was wondering if you had done any research into survival estimates of the bronze examples. Would love to learn more! Thanks
Larry Apigian
I own a 1772 Captain Cook Resolution and Adventure medallion and a matching silver medallion that I might sell.
Cliff Thornton
Larry, thank you for your enquiry. As you will see in the above article, about 2,000 of the bronze medals were struck, but only 100 or so in silver. The bronze medal in very good condition might sell for up to £1,000, the silver medal maybe £2,000 or so. As with all coins and medals, their value depends upon the condition of the item being sold, and he above values are for medallions in very good condition.
Tina Bailey
I think I might have 1772 captain cook Resolvtion Adventure medal but could I ask have copies been made as it’s in very good condition and I do have some concerns but not sure thanks Tina
Cliff Thornton
Hello Tina, thank you for your enquiry. I know that the Royal Society's 1784 medal commemorating Captain Cook has been reproduced for sale as souvenirs. But I have not heard about the Resolution and Adventure medal being reproduced. But I would not be surprised, as the medals are now selling for prices which make replica's a cheap alternative for collectors.
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