George III

George III, The "Resolution and Adventure" or "Otaheite" Medal, 1772, struck in copper by Matthew Boulton, laureate head of George III right, his hair tied behind in a queue, signed B:F on truncation, GEORGE III KING OF GREAT BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND, rev., HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure sail towards the horizon, the former with horizontal anchor, RESOLUTION ADVENTURE, in exergue, SAILED FROM ENGLAND MARCH MDCCLXXII, 43.73mm (BHM 165; Betts 552; Eimer 744; MH 373; Ford XIV, 459-462). A choice example, nearly extremely fine, the deep copper colour with hints of redness; struck from the second die showing die flaws between E and N of ADVENTURE and in sea below R of RESOLUTION.

The medal, usually struck in platina, a form of bronze, was issued with a suspension loop mounted on the top 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.

The BF signature has never been fully explained but is generally considered to be for "Boulton Fecit". The medal was almost certainly designed by the medallist John Westwood and was financed by Sir Joseph Banks.

For further information see also: L. Richard Smith, The Resolution and Adventure Medal, Sydney, 1985; Arthur Westwood, Matthew Boulton's "Otaheite" Medal, Birmingham, 1926; L. La Riviere, auction catalogue, Bowers & Merena, Wolfboro, NH, U.S.A., 15-17 March, 2001. John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, auction catalogue, Stack's, New York, U.S.A., 25 May, 2006.