1859 Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, Great Arctic Navigator Medal. By George Hampden Lovett. White Metal, Silvered. MS-64 * (NGC).50.5 mm. <strong>Obv:</strong> Head resting on tablet depicting ship, calving glacier, inscription DR. ELISHA KENT KANE, THE GREAT ARCTIC NAVIGATOR, U.S.N. around, signed G.H. LOVETT N.Y. below in exergue. <strong>Rev:</strong> Masonic altar and regalia, inscription NON OBIS SOLUM SED TOTO MUNDO NATI (He was not Born Only for Us but for the Whole World) above, date in Roman numerals below. This is the same reverse as Washington Baker-289. Sharp satin devices stand out nicely against the reflective fields. Attractive silver-apricot at the central obverse, with beautiful violet, blue and olive-gold toning around that makes for excellent aesthetic appeal and more than justifies the coveted * designation from NGC for superior eye appeal. Kane was a leading Mason, memorialized by the exclusive New York City "Explorers Lodge" that later included numismatist Wayte Raymond in its exclusive membership.From our Chicago ANA Auction, August 2014, lot 3064.
