Ancient Coins & Artefacts, World Coins, Numismatic Books, Historical Medals and Banknotes

Belgium, Royal Geographical Society, Antarctic Expedition 1897-1899, bronze medal by Wissaer, crowned globe within wreath, reverse view of the Belgica, bronze, 61mm (BDM VI, p.519). Good extremely fine, but a little dusty, well engraved (£60-80)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bruce Hagen Collection of Polar Medals.

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The Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-1899 is hardly a household story like Scott in 1912. However tow very important explorers took part along with the leader, Adrien de Gerlache, namely Roald Amundsen of Norway and Dr. Frederick Cook of the United States. Amundsen’s experience in the Antarctic were the lessons he needed to learn in order to attain the South Pole ahead of Scott in 1912. Dr. Cook later explored in the North and made a discredited claim to have reached the pole, Peary being given the credit for that milestone. De Gerlache’s expedition was originally scheduled for less than two years. He unfortunately misled the crew and forced the Belgica into the pack ice and they were able to handle the situation by working on sleds, skis and other projects during the winter. De Gerlache and the rest of the expedition were not. Scurvy from not eating fresh food led to depression and insanity for some (including de Gerlache). Luckily, the crew survived (one man was lost at the beginning of the voyage) and made it out of the ice and return to Belgium. Since this was the first modern Antarctic expedition it was the basis for the later Discovery expedition and other countries attempts to eventually conquer the South Pole.