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Ref: 6190	Lifeboat Bicentenary 1790-1990, large sterling silver medal by the Royal Mint, in Royal Mint case of issue. Obv: Royal Mint shield of arms, ROYAL MINT CENTENARY MEDAL around Rev: an 18^th century lifeboat in a storm-tossed sea, a sinking ship beyond, 1790 LIFEBOAT BICENTENARY 1990 around, ‘THE ORIGINAL’ below Condition: Extremely fine or better; Diameter: 63mm; Wt 152g References: - Notes: The Original was the first lifeboat, designed by Henry Greathead and launched on the River Tyne in January 1790. He was awarded a Royal Society of Arts gold medal and the House of Commons gave him £1200 (he received other cash prizes too). However he never patented it, deliberately, so that his design could be used for the public good. The Original was in service for 43 years and saved over 300 lives. Price £175

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