Here is a magnificent medal with tremendous historical AND gold weight. It measures a significant 3.5" in diameter and weighs 390 grams of 10k gold. The gold value alone is $5,000! One of science's most prestigious awards, this was presented to such heavyweights as the early polar explorers (Peary, Shackleton, Amundsen, Byrd), the "Lone Eagle" Charles Lindbergh, astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, and Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard. Rarely do they ever come up for sale; this was only presented 27 times since 1909 (they are not given every year, only when it is appropriate). Awarded by the esteemed National Geographic Society, this was presented to Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, as he and his crew were the first Americans to set foot on the South Pole and plant the American flag during his U.S. Navy Antarctic expeditions (1955-1959). Struck in 10k gold by the Medallic Arts Co of New York it is housed in their original 4.75x4.75" presentation leather and gilt box. This stunning object reads, "Awarded to U.S. Navy Antarctic Expeditions for Outstanding Service to Science in Exploring Vast South Polar Regions and Establishing Scientific Stations for the International Geophysical Year...Admiral Arleigh A. Burke Chief of Naval Operations...Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, USN (Ret.) Commander U.S. Naval Support Forces, Antarctica, Washington, D.C., February 4, 1959." The Hubbard Medals is in a rare category, joined by such awards as a Nobel Prize, an Oscar, or the Congressional Medal of Honor.