ERNEST SHACKLETON'S POLAR MEDAL

A mystery millionaire, an international export ban, and an undisclosed sum that potentially runs into the millions has seen a rare medal awarded to legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton coming to New Zealand.

Shackleton's Polar Medal, hailed as being of great significance in the history of Antarctic exploration, has today been unveiled at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch.

"This cements Canterbury Museum's international standing as the repository of one of the most significant collections of heroic age Antarctic objects in the world," said museum director Anthony Wright.

The medal, presented to Shackleton after three expeditions to the icy continent, had been the subject of a temporary export bar in Britain where it has been for 100 years.

It was presented to the famed Antarctic explorer after completing three separate expeditions to the icy continent – represented by three silver bars.

The medal has only ever been displayed twice previously, in London. Canterbury Museum will display it permanently.

Canterbury Museum already has Robert Falcon Scott's Polar Medal in its collection, the latest acquisition effectively completes the set.

While Shackleton's legacy will continue to be honoured in that newly developed display, Harrison's will stretch further across the museum. The capital from his initial $10m bequest will fund many more acquisitions for the Christchurch public.

To read the complete article, see:
Ernest Shackleton medal gifted to Canterbury Museum using mystery donor's $10m bequest (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ernest-shackleton-medal-gifted-to-canterbury-museum-
using-mystery-donors-10m-bequest/VQRKVVGNKVGULKDCMG7YFRQRVI/)
Rare Ernest Shackleton medal heading to NZ after battle with British government (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/525745/rare-ernest-shackleton-medal-
heading-to-nz-after-battle-with-british-government)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
CHRISTIE'S SELLS SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON'S MEDALS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v18n41a27.html)
PILOT LUIS PARDO'S SHACKLETON EXPEDITION MEDALS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n51a26.html)

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