Medal Great Britain Royal Humane Society 1830 to 1900

The Royal Humane Society is a British charity which promotes lifesaving intervention. It was founded in England in 1774 (MDCCLXXIV) as the Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned, for the purpose of rendering first aid in cases of near drowning. Physician William Hawes (1736 - 1808) began publicizing the power of artificial respiration to resuscitate people. For a year he paid a reward out of his own pocket to any one bringing him a body rescued from the water within a reasonable time.

The inscription LATEAT SCINTILLULA FORSAN means A SMALL SPARK MAY PERHAPS LIE HIDDEN. The cherub is trying to re-kindle the flame of life.

According to Wikipedia, between 1776 and 1998 approximately 135 gold, 1,336 silver and 11,230 bronze honorary medals have been awarded by the Society. Unsuccessful resuscitation attempts receive a small medal (about 38 mm diameter) and successes receive a large medal (about 51 mm diameter).

The date of the medal is important, although it is often difficult to ascertain. Here are some rough values for medals dated before 1900.

SMALL BRONZE
circulated: $50 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $80

SMALL SILVER
circulated: $70 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $100

SMALL GOLD
circulated: $1200 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $2000

LARGE BRONZE
circulated: $250 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $400

LARGE SILVER
circulated: $350 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $500

LARGE GOLD
circulated: $2000 US dollars approximate catalog value
uncirculated: $3000
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