This particular medal, by the engraver Bertram Mackennal, was awarded in 1918 to the famed English astronomer and astrophysicist, Alfred Fowler (1868-1940), a pioneer in the study of thermal radiation.
The Latin legend on the obverse translates as ‘George the Fifth, King, Patron of the Royal Society’, and on the reverse above Newton as ‘The King’s Choice of the Society’.
Sovereign Rarities will offer it for sale as part of a September 21 sale with an estimate of £15,000-20,000.
