A Masterful Sculptural Tribute from the Captain Cook Voyage Series

The Franklin Mint “Death of Cook” Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Medal is an extraordinary numismatic masterpiece designed by the legendary goldsmith and silversmith Stuart Devlin, CMG, OBE—celebrated globally as the designer of Australia’s decimal coinage. Struck in premium sterling silver and layered with a rich gold-plated finish, this highly artistic medallion is part of the prestigious historical series commemorating the monumental voyages of Captain James Cook. It handles a historic turning point with dignity, capturing the fateful 1779 encounter at Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii that concluded his final expedition.

The obverse features an incredibly complex, textured high-relief rendering of the tense standoff on the Hawaiian shoreline, depicting Captain Cook and his marines near the water’s edge amidst a crowd of local islanders. Devlin’s signature texturing and metal-finishing techniques bring an incredible lifelike quality to the dramatic scene, the rocky coast, and the figures, with the premium gold-plated layer adding exceptional contrast and brilliant visual depth to the final composition. The reverse exhibits an elegant minimalist layout, bearing a clean central inscription detailing the historical subject matter framed by a polished border.

As a vintage Franklin Mint release designed by one of the 20th century’s most influential numismatic artists, this gold-plated sterling silver medal holds immense cross-appeal for maritime history buffs, art connoisseurs, and precious metal collectors alike. Its unique artistry and historic design pedigree make it a highly secure and distinct acquisition for any premium physical collection.