Silver, Coins and Medals - 21st January 2015
Lot 823
George II
Estimate £120 - £150 | Hammer £220
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Description
George II, The Copley Medal of the Royal Society, 1737, specimen striking in copper, by John Sigismund Tanner, Pallas seated amidst emblems of learning, rev., the armorial shield of the Royal Society with crest and supporters, 43mm (MI 522/81). Extremely fine.
The award was instituted by Sir Godfrey Copley in 1709 as a cash prize "to any distinguished discoverer or improver in the matters of science". Following Copley's death the funds were put to the award of an annual gold medal. The medal, though not listed by Betts, is of American interest and is mentioned twice as both Benjamin Franklin and Captain James Cook were recipients. MI states, "specimens in silver and copper were struck as proofs or for the gratification of collectors".