William IV. 1830-1837. Gold Medal n. d. (awarded 1903), 142.19 g. Royal Geographical Society, Founder's Medal. By W. Wyon. Bust. GVLIELMVS IIII D : G : BRITANNIARVM REX MDCCCXXX . FVNDATOR. Rv. Britannia standing beside sextant and globe, holding wreath and scroll. OB TERRAS RECLUSAS. In exergue: ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. Engraving on gold frame: DOUGLAS W. FRESHFIELD, 1903. 55.9 mm. Eimer 1229. BHM 1467. FDC / Mint State. Im Originaletui, unter Glas und mit Goldrahmen / In original box and in watch style glass bound in a gold frame.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, March 2003, lot CM573.

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is a learned society and professional body for geography based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1830 for the advancement of geographical sciences, the society has 16,000 members, with its work reaching the public through publications, research groups and lectures. It was founded on 16 July 1830 under the name Geographical Society of London as an institution to promote the 'advancement of geographical science'.

The recipient, Douglas William Freshfield (27 April 1845 - 9 February 1934), was a British lawyer, mountaineer and author, who edited the Alpine Journal from 1872 to 1880. He was an active member of the Royal Geographical Society and the Alpine Club and served as President of both organizations. He was also the first president of the Geographical Association, being one of the people at the first meeting where the Association was founded. He served from 1897 to 1911, the longest serving president in the history of the Association.