GREAT BRITAIN. Sea Gallantry Lifesaving Gold Award Medal, 1878. Victoria. PCGS SPECIMEN-61 Gold Shield.32 mm; 29.29 gms. Eimer-Unlisted. By W. Wyon. Obverse: Youthful Queen Victoria portrait left; Reverse: Inside wreath FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT with legend that reads FOR GALLANTRY AND HUMANITY; Edge (inscribed): MARTIN VALLADARES - 1878. Awarded to Martin Valladares in 1878 for his heroic efforts during the sea rescue of seven people that had wrecked over rocks near Callao, Peru en route to Valparaiso. During the rescue, Valladares swam with a rope to the stranded boat and remained until all members had made it safely to the rescuing vessel, the S.S. Huacho. A lovely high relief medal with gilt suspension bar that maintains strong brilliance throughout. A number of small surface marks, likely the result of proud display by its past owner, explain the grade.As a general medal type, commissioned to be made by William Wyon, but seemingly not awarded until 1855. From that point forward, records show that fewer than 30 examples of the type were distributed in gold. VERY RARE as such and likely one of only a few of its kind that exist.
