2017-06-17 Sat

The gold Royal Geographical Society, Patron’s Medal or the Victorian Gold Medal, graded Good Extremely Fine by the auction house, will be offered by Spink auctions on 5th July at an estimated value of £8,000 to £12,000. The medal was given to scientist Edward Ayearst Reeves in 1928 for his outstanding work towards Royal Geographical Society.

Reeves became a part of the society when he was just 16 years old as a junior assistant in the Map Room. He dedicated his life to the service of travellers and all students of scientific geography. He got a promotion in 1900 as a map curator. The next year, he became an instructor in practical astronomy and surveying. He served as a superintendent of the map drawing department from 1904 to 1933, after which he retired. Apart from undertaking fabulous research, he was also an inspiration for many youngsters by promoting geographical science and discovery to a great extent. He was also awarded the Callum Gold Medal of the American Geographical Society in 1922. He has written many books and consulted on many trips.

The obverse of the medal features Queen Victoria, similar to the popular design created by Wyon for British gold pattern coin. The reverse features Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, holding a map and laurel wreath, standing near a globe and geographical instruments. Another inscription includes ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. Gold versions of the Founders Medal were issued from 1839, with gilt silver versions began in 1979.