(1783) Bronze Medal Betts-553, James Cook

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,040 MS64BN 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1783 bronze medal (Betts-553) honors Captain James Cook, the renowned British navigator and explorer whose three Pacific voyages (1768-1779) vastly expanded European knowledge of the Pacific Ocean, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Cook's explorations had direct relevance to American history through his charting of the Pacific Northwest, which later became the basis for competing American and British territorial claims. Cook was killed by native Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779. The circa 1783 date indicates this medal was produced shortly after Cook's voyages became fully published, when public fascination with his discoveries was at its peak. Betts included the Cook medals in his catalog due to their direct connection to American territorial history.

Rarity Notes

Circa 1783 bronze. Cook exploration medals are collected across multiple specialties. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-553; Captain James Cook; Pacific exploration; Cook's voyages 1768-1779