Rare medal from Captain Cook’s second voyage for sale

Auctioneers are expecting a lot of interest in the medal

A medal from Captain James Cook's second voyage of discovery is due to be auctioned and could fetch up to £3,000.

The medal was commissioned by famous botanist Sir Joseph Banks and paid for by the Admiralty as Captain Cook was sent as far south as possible to finally determine whether there was any great southern landmass.

Head auctioneer Gareth Wasp said: "This is a very rare medal, with only 2,000 known to have been made back in 1772."

The brass item is due to be sold on 4 December at Wilshire's Auction House in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Records show that medals were distributed to locals in more than 30 locations that Captain Cook and his crews visited across the pacific, including Tahiti, Easter Island and New Zealand.

They were designed to prove to future explorers that Captain Cook had been there first and to introduce native inhabitants to the then British monarch - King George III - whose portrait appears on the other side.

About 2,000 medals of this type were made for distribution to locals during Captain James Cook's second voyage (1772-1775)

The medal has the two ships commissioned for the voyage - HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure - and the inscription reads 'Sailed from England March · MDCCLXXII' (1772).

Sir Joseph had intended to join Captain Cook's second voyage but withdrew at the last minute, delaying departure and meaning that the date on the medals was incorrect.

Mr Wasp said: "The link to the voyages of Captain Cook is sure to attract bids from collectors of Cook memorabilia as well as those interested in commemorative medals."

It is unknown who the medal was originally given to, but it has been consigned for sale by a local collector who wishes to remain anonymous.