Medal - Captain James Cook; Bicentenary State Savings Bank

Reverse

The Endeavour under full sail to front right; in exergue, a small cannon with stack of cannonballs to the right, keg of powder to the left, and rammer with sponge in the background. Barrel left of and bucket right of exergue.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
THE STATE SAVINGS BANK OF VICTORIA
“H. M. BARK ENDEAVOUR”

Engraver: Keith Gray

Designer: Stanley Hamond

Edge

Plain

Comment

This is one of more than 40 different commemorative medal issues inspired by the 1970 bicentenary of Captain James Cook's arrival in Australia. This gilded bronze medal, commissioned by the State Savings Bank of Victoria, was the first released to mark the bicentenary. 50 gold medallions were initially struck, as well as 5,000 silver and 100,000 bronze; the Bank reserved the right to strike an additional 5,000 silver and 100,000 bronze. The gold and silver medals featured Cook's ship, the 'Endeavour', on the reverse; the bronze medal, such as this example, had a cannon pictured as well. The bust of Cook is based on a plaque by Josiah Wedgewood. The plaster model for the medal was prepared by sculptor Stanley Hamond. The dies were hand-cut by Stokes' senior die-sinker, Keith Gray. The Bank mounted a display in its foyer to further commemorate the bicentenary, exploring the life and times of Captain Cook, and including charts and eighteenth century maritime equipment. A three-foot model of the 'Endeavour' and Richard Linton's painting of the 'Endeavour' were featured.

Note: Carlisle does not note any silver or gold in his catalogue for the 34 mm sized medal and states an issue of 150,000 for the Gilded.

There is a larger medal (38 mm) using the same design (1970/22) which was issued in Silver (10,000) and Gold (100).

Price

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