A Resolution and Adventure medal has just been discovered in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. 

The medal, c.1772-73, is linked to Captain Cook’s second voyage to New Zealand, during which such examples were given and traded amongst local Māori communities.

With only around a dozen examples found in New Zealand over the past two centuries, this latest find is one of the most significant numismatic discoveries in the nation’s history.

Aventine Coins & Bullion, the numismatic firm that recently repatriated the first RBNZ banknote back to New Zealand, was entrusted to be the first to assess and authenticate the medal. 

Captain Cook's Second Voyage. New Zealand. 1772-3 Resolution & Adventure Medal. GEORGE . III . KING . OF . GR . BRITAIN . FRANCE . AND . IRELAND ETC, laureate head right of George III, rev. RESOLVTION ADVENTVRE., the two frigates, Resolution and Adventure viewed from astern, SAILED FROM ENGLAND MARCH MDCCLXXII in exergue in two lines, Type I variate, with its typical die crack on the reverse. With original loop and mount. 29.39g. Betts-552

Aaron Mackesy, recognized as a specialist authority on Resolution medals and one of only 15 government licensed Taonga Tuturu dealers in New Zealand, described the find as "exceptional", noting the rare survival of its original suspension loop. He explained that its preservation was most likely the result of an incredibly fortunate combination of environmental conditions, given that the specific alloy used in its original manufacture was prone to decay.

The medal is set to be donated to an appropriate New Zealand institution.