Lot # 

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 Lot title and description

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390. Large silver medal commemorating the third voyage of Captain Cook in 1776-9. 33.2 grams, 1-5/8" in diameter. A nice (even if a bit modern) collectible struck in New Zealand by Hansen & Berry, Ltd., with bust of Cook on obverse with the ships Discovery and Resolution in the background, THIRD PACIFIC VOYAGE across the top and CAPT JAMES COOK / R.N.F.R.S.A above 1776 * 1779 on the bottom, the reverse showing an anchor design with COOK BICENTENARY across the top and EASTERN AND CENTRAL SAVINGS BANK / NEW ZEALAND on the bottom, plain edge, nicely toned Mint State, housed in a custom clamshell box printed on the inside with the following: “This medal was struck by THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL SAVINGS BANK to commemorate the bi-centenary of Captain James Cook’s third voyage of discovery to New Zealand / 1776-1976 / MINTED BY / HANSEN & BERRY, LTD / AUCKLAND, N.Z.” First example I have seen, but undoubtedly struck in great numbers. With original printed clamshell box. Estimate: $50-$100

391. Large steel medal commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, with original cardboard box and certificate. 69.0 grams. We have sold these medals in both our previous auctions, but this is the first we have offered with all the original packaging and paperwork, which gives more details about how and when the medals were made. As we knew, these were exact replicas of medals made by Germany to gloat over the sinking (as the Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine prior to World War I), but in this package we have the explanatory certificate that criticizes the German propaganda and gives the issuer as “Lusitania Souvenir Medal Committee,” with all profits going to “St. Dunstan’s Blinded Soldiers and Sailors Hostel”. Coin, medal and certificate all in Mint condition except for the usual rust spots. With original printed cardboard box and folded vellum certificate. Estimate: $200-$300